Thursday 25 September 2008

The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace

I had a birthday day out yesterday. We went up to London and visited The Queen's Gallery.
We went to see the Amazing Rare Things exhibition and also Treasures from the Royal Collection. It was the Treasures that grabbed us the most. We loved best the sparkly display of Faberge and Indian valuables: there was one Faberge egg, which would have made the whole visit worth while for me, as well as a menagerie of animals carved from semi-precious stones with gold feet and gem-stone eyes; there were life-like flowers and plants which looked as though they would tremble in a breeze; there were crowns and swords and an emerald belt.
Elsewhere in the gallery were exquisite pieces of furniture and outstanding paintings. I had that special feeling I get when I have the time to spend with art.
The children were absorbed, helped by an excellent family trail. We talked about the monarchy and Greek Mythology and the changing architecture of London. I am only sorry that we did not discover this exhibition earlier as it closes this weekend, but 'Masters of Flemish Painting' opens next month and our ticket entitles us to free entry for a year so we will be back!
Hopefully in better weather!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

That sounds great. And a good family trail does make a difference. I recall that the V&A has several options of kids trails (with a backpack and audioguide). The Flemish painters will also be interesting. Sounds like lots of fun options for your weekly day out.