DISCOVER | The National Gallery, London

Sooo, things have been a little quiet in The Attic recently, mostly because I've been crazy busy having adventures, and also maybe a little bit because I've been too scared to post anything after the success of my last post - since then everything I've tried to write has seemed a little inconsequential.

Buut, I think enough time has probably passed now that I can get back to my normal waffling..

A little over a month ago now I was lucky enough to find myself with a free ticket to London town; and finding myself with a little time to kill, I headed straight to the nearest museum. Obviously.

The National Gallery is super easy to get too (literally right outside the exit to the Trafalgar tube station), and free to visit (and warm and dry!), so is the perfect place to while away a few hours in the city.

According to Google The National is considered quite small compared to other galleries in Europe, but I prefer to think of it as the perfect size for a gentle morning stroll.

Packed full of famous pieces, The National is the place to come to check out work by the likes of Monet, or Van Gogh.

The Water-Lily Pond, Monet, 1899

Mr & Mrs Andrews, Gainsborough, 1750

Ulysses deriding Polyphemus, Turner, 1829

I was really excited to see Rousseau's 'Suprised', which I remembered from a picture book I had as a little girl; seeing things like art for reals is always so cool.

Suprised!, Rousseau, 1891

A Wheatfield, with Cypresses, Van Gogh, 1889

(they did have the sunflowers, but I actually preferred this one)

I did have a slight kerfuffle whilst I was there.. I'd been there like half an hour, and couldn't work out why I hadn't seen anything recognisable yet. Well, it turned out that all the areas I'd been avoiding because they were surrounded by clusters of kids on school trips were the very pieces I'd been looking for (which totally made sense once I thought about it..). So I had to go round again. So yeah. Don't do that.

Having had my fill of art, I headed over of The National Theater on the south bank to watch DV8's latest production.

DV8, for those of you who don't know, is an experimental  physical theatre/dance company, who produce challenging performance pieces which 'push boundaries, and re-examine the roles and relationships of men and women in our society' -British Council

I don't really know why I'm telling you all that in a post about an art gallery, but basically, if have any interest in modern theatre or dance, and you get a chance to see anything by DV8, please do take it! You'll be challenged, but you'll probably love it!

Much Love,

Jess

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Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Another museum! I'm on a roll with these at the moment..

Last week the mister and I were looking for something cheap to do, and struck upon the completely free Bristol Museum.

The museum, located at the top of park street, next to the beautiful University Buildings, houses an eclectic mix historical relics, art, and natural artifacts.

In the interest of honesty, I do have to explain that the museum is no British Museum, but in terms of free museums in the west county, this is easily one of my favorites.

The ground floor plays host to several exhibitions, my favorite of which was  the Egypt exhibit. It didn't have the quality or quantity of artifacts that I found in London, but the gallery was much less busy, so I was able to explore the space at my own pace, and really take in the displays.

The first floor was dedicated to the natural world - dinosaurs, geology - and my favorite exhibit, a vast collection of taxidermy. (can you describe a room full of dead animals a 'favorite'..)

'raaaw'

The contested nature of taxidermy aside, the exhibit at Bristol was really interesting. Displayed in traditional wooden display cases, with hand written labels, the exhibit had a distinctly old school vibe, which I really enjoyed. The space has received some criticism in the media for being outdated, and irrelevant, but as a (sort of) historian, it only served to add another layer to the space; I was not only interested in the wildlife itself, but also the history of museum curation. It felt so cool to walk through the same space that people have been experiencing for so many years.

I feel like this guy is trying to be scary.. | A raccoon, or as he is sometimes known, a baby bandit

The first floor, which is essentially a glorified balcony, provides excellent views over whole space (the architecture of the building was almost as interesting as the exhibits themselves, if you're interested in that kind of thing..)

On our way to the second floor we discovered a balcony over looking the atrium, and decorated with historical maps. Its nerdy, but I've always loved the look of old maps; so beautiful. And I found my house on one of them, which was awesome!

Upstairs the museum was more peaceful, and we padded quietly though exhibits dedicated to Asian ceramics and glass, silverware, and Victorian art.

Teeny tiny bottles and jars (jess sized)

On the whole, this was a really good day out (and would have been totally free, if we hadn't given in to the cries of our tummies..), and one I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a place to hide out on a rainy day. :)

Much Love, 

Jess

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The British Museum

As I probably already mentioned,  during my trip to London I got to spend some time in the British Museum.

I've wanted to visit the place for a few years now (probably since their Vesuvius exhibition..), and I was only inspired further by posts like this one, by the ever delightful Rosie.

I am very pleased to report that even with such high expectations as mine, I was not disappointed! :)

The building itself is beautiful,  and only hints at the treasures within.

I started up stairs, exploring some of the oldest exhibitions in the museum, and spent the next four hours making my way through time and space as I happily bumbled my way round the enormous space.

Reconstructed drinking horns, 600's AD

Stone Axe, approx 3,500 BC

Turns out I'm pretty easily distracted... yay for shiny things..!

Replica Sutton Hoo Helmet, 7th Century AD | Bronze Age Gold Cape

I particularly enjoyed the Egypt exhibition, it was so fascinating to see those remnants of past societies!  It was also one of the busiest exhibitions I saw, so I'd probably try and get there early next time, in order to properly experience the space.

Sarcophagus of Ankhnesneferibre, God's Wife of Amun 586-525 BC

 A Mummy. Obviously.

Tucked away at the back of the museum I discovered a couple of temporary exhibits, and the Chinese exhibition.  I love how stepping out of your every day can lead to new discoveries; I never expected to especially enjoy this particular exhibition,  but actually it was one of my favorite parts. So much of the art was so beautiful; this sketch totally transported me to another place.

'Long Landscape' reproduction hand scroll, by Kano Seisen'in Osanobu, aged 14 (original by Sesshū Tōyō) 

This piece on the right was one of my absolute favorites!! The artist took candid shots of his every day experiences, as part of his 'Diary' series. The shots form a really beautiful glimpse into a different place, a different culture. I really want to describe it as an old school version of instagram.. but that probably cheapens his work..

Seriously though, in my mind, it would be totally worth going back to the museum just to see this again.

Ceremonial Tea Jar, 1870's (aren't those colours just beautiful!) | Diary Aug 10th '77 - Noda Tetsuya

In the basement I discovered a display of African artifacts,  predominantly sculpture. The exhibit had a really earthy vibe, and as ever, there was more to see than I could possibly take in during the short time I was there!

Wooden doors, created in the early 1900's for the royal palace at Ikere | 19th Century wooden mask 

The ground floor housed a history of the enlightenment, their 8 mummies exhibition, and plenty of Greek history.

A teeny, tiny perfume bottle, approx 670 BC | The much much larger Parthenon Sculptures, 440 BC

With time running out, I hurried round the rest of the exhibition,  taking a moment or two to explore the expansive Assyrian carvings, taken from the North Palace at Nineveh, before heading home.

The Lion Hunt, Assyrian Carving, approx 640 BC

This was such a great day out, there was so much to see (I definitely need to go back, to really really explore the place!), and so much to learn,  like had you ever heard of the Etruscan civilization?? I sure hadn't! Apparently it referrers to the those peoples living in Italy, before it became the Roman Empire.. (Pretty sure this is the first historical fact I've learned since uni..)

That roof.. I just love it! 

At the end of the day, I left the museum with sore feet,  and a grin on my face, already looking forward to my next visit,  and very very ready for some dinner!

Much Love,

Jess

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The Tate Modern

My baby (or should I say child? He/She/It is Six after all..) liiiiiiives! My laptop seeems to have found a new lease of life.. Things are still a little touch and go.. I've backed up all my files just in case, but for now, things are looking up! (I may have done a happy dance to celebrate..) 

In celebration, enjoy a little peak of my trip to the Tate in London. :) 

I got the train to Waterloo, and then on to Westminster Bridge, and the South Bank.

From there, I meandered along the river side, taking in some of the best bits of the tourist trail in London; Big Ben, Parliament, St Paul's, the Millennium Bridge. I'm sure the locals could give you a better, quieter, faster route to the museum, but as I was a tourist in the city, it seemed a shame to miss out on such famous landmarks!

Unsurprisingly, I wasn't the only one to have had this idea, so the first section  of the walk (from Westminster to The Eye) was packed with people. But from the National Theater onward the paths were delightful shaded, and quiet, and I felt free to enjoy the skyline at my own slow pace. :)

After about twenty minuets or so, I made it it the museum.

The former power station dominates the landscape and houses an eclectic mix of modern art; from Picasso, to Turner, to Monet (and currently an exhibition by Matisse).  The work ranges from the more traditional paintings, sketches and photography, to sculpture, craft work and film.

I spent a couple of hours in the museum, and managed to get round most of it, but I would definitely recommend taking a little more time, and really taking it all in properly.

 Picasso.. This stuff's weird.. 

I really loved the work by Henry Wessel, simple black and white shots of everyday life in America. I think it was just my nosiness coming out, but I loved the glimpses he gives his audience into not just his life, but, also into the lives of his subjects. And on a much less academic note, I just thought the shots were aesthetically beautiful.

 Henry Wessel, Incidents 

The museum has a coffee shop and balcony on the third floor, perfect for taking in those beautiful London views!

Seung-Taek Lee, Godret Stone

The whole ambiance of the space is really special, its such a bright, airy space, that really does the art work justice. This was especially noticeable in room 3, level 4 -Arte Povera and Anti-Form- where the high ceilings, and natural light form the perfect lotion for the dramatic sculpture.

After my experience in Bristol the other week, I was thoroughly impressed by the curation at The Tate. The rooms were well laid out thematically, and everything was so well labeled, even an art newbie like myself could understand.

In fact, one of my very favorite pieces was The Penelope by José Leonilson. This simple piece consists of several squares of sheer fabric, stitched roughly together, with some basic embroidery.  At a glance, the piece appears modest, and unassuming,  but once I understood the piece, and the artist, the uncomplicated work took on a whole new meaning.  (Created in the last year of his life, as he battled with HIV, the piece is based on Homer's Odyssey, and the story of Odysseus' wife, who plots to delay a new marriage by agreeing to pick a new suitor only once she has finished weaving  the burial shroud of her husband-in-law, which she secretly spends her nights unpicking, meaning the piece would never be completed.)  With such a tragic back story, how could I not fall in love with this plain embroidery.

Two favorites, The Penelope by José Leonilson, and a very handsome Self Portrait by Robert Mapplethorpe. 

I ended my tour in another of my favorite galleries, an Artists Room dedicated to the life and works of photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Specializing in black and white photography (I'm sensing a theme here..), Mapplethorpe's work documents his glamorous life in New York, and offers his audience an intimate glimpse into the lives of some of the coolest celebrities of the last thirty years.

The Tate modern (like many of the museums in London), was free, and compared to many of the other attractions along the south bank, it was very quiet. It was the perfect way to kill a few hours, before meeting the beautiful Bella, and I highly recommended it to anyone looking to soak in some culture in the center of London. :)

Much Love,

Jess

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Pick Your Own: Chosen Hill Farm

As I mentioned last week, my sisters and I took a day off together, and headed over to Chosen Hill Farm to stuff our faces with delicious strawberries.

As per pretty much everything I do, this place is less than half an hour from my house, and I've never been! (I'm sensing a recurring theme here..)

Inspired by a picture I saw on facebook, I did a quick google for the closest Pick Your Own farm, and two days later, we set off, the wind in our hair, the sun on our faces. 3 very happy ladies. :)

We were greeted in the shop, by a lovely lady who pointed us in the direction of the right field. Chosen Hill grow Strawberries, Gooseberries, Raspberries, Redcurrants, and Blackcurrants, so you wanna make sure you're headed for the right fruit. ;)

Having filled our baskets, we went for a cheeky explore around the farm. The views across the orchards towards Chew Valley lakes were really lovely!

And we walked past a wild flower meadow that was practically humming with life. So many butterflies!

On our way out, we spotted this rusting trailer, and I couldn't resist a quick snap.

Being farm girls, we have at least some understanding of where our food comes from, and what goes into producing it, but it was so great to see some kids there learning about farming, and food production (and the squeals of joy floating across the farm suggested they were having as good a time as we were!)

I think the fruit cost a little more than it does at Sainsburys, but you wont get it fresher in any supermarket, and lets face it, the cold impersonal experience of the supermarket has nothing on an hour or so in the sun with some great company. :)

We headed home, Beyonce on the radio, reminiscing about the times our mamma took us to Pick Your Own as kids, and how we ate all the fruit before we came to pay, and how I used to hate strawberries, because they were red like tomatoes, so I assumed they tasted the same. obviously.

It was a really lovely way to spend an hour or so, and I absolutely recommend it if you're looking for a way to pass a few of those long summer hours during the holidays (and why not use a few more after and whip up a cake or a pudding with the fruit you pick?)

Much Love 

Jess

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For opening times, and seasonal availability, call 01275 332397

The Tower Tour, Bath Abbey

Did ya know you can climb to the top of The Abbey in Bath?

I sure didn't! It wasn't until I overheard a colleague telling a customer that it was one of the best things to do in town that I even heard about it!

The tour costs £6 per person, and takes about 45 minuets.

We started off in the beautiful abbey, before climbing a flight of secret stairs into one of the eastern towers.

Up up up we climbed, until we reached the lowest section of roof.

After crossing the roof, and making the most of the stunning views, we headed into the main tower section, to check out the bell pulls. There's a bit of a talk about the bells and how and when they are rung, which, if you're not especially interested in churches and history (what you mean you don't love that stuff..?) could be perceived as a little dry, but the guides are sweet, and seem genuinely interested in their subject, and it doesn't last too long.

From there the group was split into two, and taken to see the top side of the beautiful roof we had seen earlier. More impressive than it sounds, honest! The other group headed through the roof and into the clock tower.  I think this might actually have been one of my favorite parts of the tour. Partly because it was so warm in there (I'm a bit of a lizard, I need an external source of heat to keep me warm!), and partly because it just looked so cool. Definitely not something you see everyday. :)

After a quick detour to take a peak at the bells, we headed up to the top of the tower. Round and round and round we climbed until we stumbled out onto one of the best views of the city I have ever seen.

We chilled out on the roof for as long as it took for us to fully take in the views (by which of course I mean take a million photos. Obviously).

Leaving the roof, we climbed down down down down down, taking in a few final views of the city, before we landed ourselves back in the sunshine in the abbey courtyard.

We ended the afternoon in the sunny beer garden of the beautifully redecorated Boater. Cider in the sunshine, on the banks of the river Avon. Whats not to love.

If you're in Bath and looking for something to do, I would highly recommend both the tour, and the pub. :)

Much Love, 

Jess

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