Kristine Hughes's Blog, page 16

FASHIONS OF 1812

Victoria here, looking through my collection of Regency-era fashion plates to see what was worn 200 years ago. I find I have five plates from 1812, two framed on the wall of my office, the others filed away in notebooks.  So here, in case you want to be entirely up to date two centuries ago: Fashions … Continue reading "FASHIONS OF 1812"

KENWOOD HOUSE

Victoria here, writing about one of my favorite places in London — Kenwood House.  I first visited many years ago and feasted my eyes on the stunning collection of masterworks in the Iveagh Bequest and on the justly famous Adam Library.  But I admit, the rooms used as galleries, were — aside from the paintings … Continue reading "KENWOOD HOUSE"

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT: JAMES LEES-MILNE?

Originally published in 2011 As some of you may already know, I am a great reader of British diaries, letters and journals. There are many such volumes on the shelves of my personal library. From Pepys to Queen Victoria, I adore the immediacy of these personal writings, the way they drop you right into the … Continue reading "DO YOU KNOW ABOUT: JAMES LEES-MILNE?"

THE WELLINGTON CONNECTION: MADAME TUSSAUD

The Duke of Wellington visiting the Effigy and Personal Relics of Napoleon at Madame Tussaud’s by James Scott, after Sir George Hayter – National Portrait Gallery Generally speaking, when one thinks about the Duke of Wellington, one seldom thinks of him in connection with trivial amusements. Rather, the formidable soldier and stern politician come to … Continue reading "THE WELLINGTON CONNECTION: MADAME TUSSAUD"

Regency Reflections: Sir John Soane’s Museum

Victoria here.  People often ask me what I recommend for their visits to London.  I always answer, if they are in search of the English Regency, Sir John Soane’s Museum in Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Sir John Soane (1753-1837) was a brilliant architect and teacher. The Museum is in his house and classrooms, so you will get … Continue reading "Regency Reflections: Sir John Soane’s Museum"

MORE SIGNS

THE ECCENTRIC LADY CORK

In our ongoing effort to bring to light some of the most unique ladies England has ever produced, we now introduce you to Lady Cork, about whom there appeared a story in the July – December 1903 issue of The Gentleman’s Magazine: AN ECCENTRIC LEADER OF SOCIETY “THERE are some women who are born for society. It … Continue reading "THE ECCENTRIC LADY CORK"

The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, London

by Victoria Hinshaw The Wallace Collection, located in what was Hertford House in Manchester Square, named after the Duke of Manchester, who built a house (then called Manchester House) on the north side in 1777, attracted by the good duck shooting in the area. In 1797 the 2nd Marquess of Hertford acquired the lease and it … Continue reading "The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, London"

London’s Bookshops – A Mecca for Bibliophiles

by Louisa Cornell Anyone who knows me surely knows that London is one of my favorite places in the world. It is one of my happy places – the kind of place one might explore for years and never, ever grow tired. Another thing most people know about me is I have a penchant for … Continue reading "London’s Bookshops – A Mecca for Bibliophiles"

The Titanic’s Canine Passengers

  Today, on the anniversary of the sinking of the H.M.S. Titanic, we remember it’s canine passengers. I found the picture above on Pinterest, with the following caption: “Captain Edward Smith of the Titanic and his beautiful Borzoi which was saved.” After re-pinning it, I’d experience a meloncholy pang every time my eye fell upon … Continue reading "The Titanic’s Canine Passengers"