Kristine Hughes's Blog, page 27

A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND – HENLEY-on-THAMES

Since the Wellington archives are closed at the weekends, Vicky and I had another welcome opportunity to spend some time with our friend, author Beth Elliot. This day, Beth took us to beautiful Henley-on-Thames, set on the River Thames in Oxfordshire. Dating back to 1179, Henley has been home to the famous annual Regatta, which … Continue reading "A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND – HENLEY-on-THAMES"

A LEGACY OF NEEDLEWORK – Part Two – Mrs. Delany Continued

A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit an exhibition called “Mrs. Delany and Her Circle,” at the Yale Center for British Art. The show, organized by the Center for British Art and Sir John Soane’s Museum in London, included work in every conceivable medium. One of the items included in the exhibition … Continue reading "A LEGACY OF NEEDLEWORK – Part Two – Mrs. Delany Continued"

THE TREASURE HOUSES OF ENGLAND – HAREWOOD HOUSE

There are ten stately homes that have been designated as “The Treasure Houses of England,” and three of them are included on our 2019 Country House Tour – Harewood House, Castle Howard and Chatsworth House. Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood, started building Harewood House in 1759, selecting Robert Adam as architect who, in turn, selected Thomas … Continue reading "THE TREASURE HOUSES OF ENGLAND – HAREWOOD HOUSE"

A LEGACY OF NEEDLEWORK – Mrs. Delany

Mary Granville, or Mrs. Delany, is remembered for her letters and for her elaborate paper flower work and her magnificent needlework. What’s most remarkable about Mrs. Delany is the fact that she only hit her artistic stride after reaching the age of 72! Twice widowed with no children, Mrs. Delany became a royal favorite and sought after by … Continue reading "A LEGACY OF NEEDLEWORK – Mrs. Delany"

CHRISTIAN DIOR: DESIGNER OF DREAMS

“There is no other country in the world, besides my own, whose way of life I like so much. I love English traditions, English politeness, English architecture. I even love English cooking.” Christian Dior   In February 2019, the V&A will open the largest and most comprehensive exhibition ever staged in the UK on the House of Dior … Continue reading "CHRISTIAN DIOR: DESIGNER OF DREAMS"

A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND: MORE GATES AND DOORS

BOXING DAY — WHAT IN THE WORLD?

In Britain, the day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day.  Every December 26 I wonder what in the world that means — and I never find out for sure.  Maybe someone can tell me, Victoria, what it is. Definitively! This Cartoon has the right spirit IMHO Here’s what Wikipedia says: “The exact etymology of … Continue reading "BOXING DAY — WHAT IN THE WORLD?"

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

One of our favourite Christmas movies of all time at Number One London is Bridget Jones’s Diary. Taking our inspiration from the film, here are our Christmas wishes to you . . . . .   May you always be surrounded by good friends   May you always find the perfect thing to wear   … Continue reading "MERRY CHRISTMAS!"

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

December 25th My Own Heart – The London coach arrived today, bringing with it your gift of a partridge and a pear tree. You are too clever by half!Yours For Eternity December 26th My Love – Two turtle doves! How simply smashing. I cannot wait to see you again that I might thank you personally. … Continue reading "THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS"

CHRISTMAS PAST – IN THEIR OWN WORDS

What would Christmas be without our trimming the tree? Some believe that it was Prince Albert who introduced the custom of the Christmas tree to England, while others maintain that they were introduced to England by King George III’s German wife, Queen Charlotte. However, it was only circa 1848, after the London Illustrated News ran the engraving depicting showing Queen Victoria and … Continue reading "CHRISTMAS PAST – IN THEIR OWN WORDS"