Away from the desk

Since Mr Ray-Anne has a few days holiday, we took ourselves off to London yesterday for a spot of lunch – French Bistro – and an art gallery where we could both enjoy Victorian painting.

Shame about the lashing rain and howling wind, but it was worth it.

We have seen the fine examples in the Tate, but there are a number of places in London where you can see Pre-Raphaelites, and I have never been to the Guildhall in the City and the area around St Paul’s Cathedral and Bank of England.

http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/trlout_gfx_en/TRA18181.html

Although the Guildhall does charge £2.50 for non London residents, the Victorian collection is well worth going to see. Especially the Alma Tademas, and original photographs of Victorian artists at work, including a very handsome Burne-Jones.

Added bonus? They found the remains of a Roman amphitheatre when excavating the extension and you can go to the basement and see it.
The building is clean, very well lit and quiet. Almost like having your own art gallery.

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/leisure_heritage/libraries_archives_museums_galleries/guildhall_art_gallery/

We finished the day off with a trip to see the refurbished St Pancras Station before heading back to the sticks.

I had forgotten how tiring walking around the city for 5 hours can be! Even in trainers. I suspect the tube and black cabs will be much in use on Monday for the RNA lunch.