Richmond - Surrey
31 May 09
The magnificent Tudor frontage of Hampton Court PalaceCardinal Wolsey started it, Henry VIII made it his Tudor Palace and William III turned it into a Baroque masterpiece, two Royal Palaces for the price of one! ...and we loved it!
We have just returned from a fab day out at Hampton Court. The sun was out and so were the history-hungry tourists! With over 500 years of Royal history, Hampton Court Palace has something to offer visitors of all ages, from the magnificent State Apartments to the domestic reality of the Tudor Kitchens. Costumed guides and audio tours bring the many rooms and artifacts to life and provide an insight into how life in the Royal house-hold would have been during the reins of Henry VIII and William III. If you have any energy left after roaming the inside of the Palace, a stroll around the 60 acres of enchanting gardens and water features is a must - you could even try your luck in the world famous maze!
Wren's Baroque extension Grinling Gibbons (1648-1721) - master carver extraordinaire
While at High School - I would spend many a happy lunch break in the Library, usually with my nose in a good art reference book. It was during one such session that I first stumbled across the carvings by Grinling Gibbons. I marveled at how anyone could create studies in wood that looked so fragile and airy. His trademark cascades of fruit, leaves, flowers, foliage, fish, and birds were carved from lime wood and looked as if the slightest breeze would rustle and quiver each delicate leaf and petal. Sir Christopher Wren commissioned Gibbons to create many such compositions for his new extension of Hampton Court - what a joy it was to see these pieces during our visit!
While at High School - I would spend many a happy lunch break in the Library, usually with my nose in a good art reference book. It was during one such session that I first stumbled across the carvings by Grinling Gibbons. I marveled at how anyone could create studies in wood that looked so fragile and airy. His trademark cascades of fruit, leaves, flowers, foliage, fish, and birds were carved from lime wood and looked as if the slightest breeze would rustle and quiver each delicate leaf and petal. Sir Christopher Wren commissioned Gibbons to create many such compositions for his new extension of Hampton Court - what a joy it was to see these pieces during our visit!
The amazing work of Grinling GibbonsHampton Court is just 35 minutes south of Waterloo by train. It's history, architecture, amazing gardens and beautiful craftsmanship make for a really interesting culture-laden day out... Brilliant!
9 out of 10
