Angels at the Royal Academy

We had to climb high to see them, but it's not often you get such a close up look at these details in the Royal Academy. We loved looking through one of the portholes of the enormous wooden installation to unexpectedly find a golden angel.

The Sensing Spaces exhibition was interactive and peaceful to walk around. Busy as it was the last night, but fun - and for a non-architect like me it opened my mind to new ideas of 3-D space. 

Favourite quote by Li Xiaodong: 'Allowing room for the visitors imagination is essential if a space is to become a satisfying physical experience'

   Favourite installation was Kengo Kuma's  for the atmosphere he created

Kengo Kuma at the Royal Academy

Urban Retreat

Just what is needed in the centre of the city. A place that's peaceful and quiet, floating on the water, where all you can hear are ducks quacking and with a view of Canary Wharf towering in the distance......

Friends have purchased an amazing boat in the Caribbean, and now have it docked on the Thames. We spent Friday night just chilling in the cabin, drinking red wine and having a laugh. With an open invitation to return, I am so happy to have found an oasis in the centre of London. I'll certainly be back:)

View of Canary Wharf 

French Institute Mediatheque

The library as it is now with Art Deco features around the windows

I love the old spiral staircase

London Open House is always a fantastic time of year. This year we were in South Ken - for ice cream at Odono's - and so we called in to the French Institute, a Grade 2 listed building. We were impressed by the Art Deco library - La Mediatheque - which will soon be undergoing an exciting and ambitious refurbishment. They will restore the Art Deco features and create a comfortable reading room. There will be a new children's area and a technology hub too. Look forward to seeing what it will look like.

Might also call in to see a film at the Cinema Lumiere in the meantime. Great atmosphere in the Institute. Glad we dropped by.

Plans for the old Art Deco library

Choral celebration at St John's Smith Square

We heard an incredible performance last last at St John's Smith Square from a larger than usual Oriana Choir - the last with their current musical director, David Drummond - with many members from previous years joining to create the most spectacular sound, accompanied occasionally by two pianists and percussionists. And a trumpeter for a couple of pieces.  With a wide range of music from Renaissance to contemporary, it was uplifting, poetic, moving and entertaining. Favourites were Rossini, Holst and the powerful and dramatic  'O Fortuna' from Carmen Burana. 

A few members of the choir, but last night the numbers must have been around 100

Interior of St John's 

Just had to add this drawing of the church in its original setting!

So special after hearing such a performance, to then walk along the riverbank past the Houses of Parliament and Westminster and realise what an amazing city we live in.