I am writing to you tonight from London, as I watch the ongoing news reports about the riots here over the last few days. It is extremely surreal. Today I had a lovely day in Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and Harrod's. Tomorrow I'll be traveling to Birmingham for the Quilt Festival there. (and giving an award on Thursday at 4 pm)
I tried to go see Kate Middleton's wedding dress which is on display at Buckingham Palace, but the tickets were booked and the lines were just obscene. So I went to see the " Enchanted Castle" exhibit at Kensington, and then spent time in the Ceramics floor of the V&A.
Amidst the reports of chaos here, I found I was drawn to images of pastoral tranquility. This delightful "soft-paste" porcelain piece (above) is titled "The Music Lesson" – made in London about 1765. The description card said it has "a distinctive charm and character", and "the densely applied flower decoration here is characteristic of English taste." Made at the Chelsea porcelain factory, painted in enamels and gilded.
After seeing all the green hills dotted with sheep in the Scottish Highlands, and strolling through the Queen's rose garden today in Hyde Park, this charming pair with the dog and sheep were just what I had in mind to share with you all.
I've uploaded several PLAID photos from the Edinburgh Tattoo, and more photos from London, on my photo page and my Facebook page.
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