Day 306 - Wallace collection

Looking at the weather forecast for the coming days, we had a quick change of plans today and, instead of doing any early Christmas food shopping, decided instead for a day uoit together, Mrs L and I.

First job was to collect a pre-ordered gift from West Byfleet, before taking the train up to London for the day from Esher. Was pleased to find lots of spare places in the car park: there must be people on holiday already.

Our goal today was to visit the Wallace Collection, something that we have been talking about for ages but have never yet managed to fit in.  When we arrived, it was time for an early lunch, so we decided to start by exploring the restaurant; what a great setting!  A courtyard right in the middle of the museum, with a glass roof turning the area into a giant type of orangery - and the food was very good too. Definitely somewhere to return to...

One of the stunning rooms
at the Wallace Collection

As was the museum itself: they have a fantastic collection of French art, furniture and porcelain, as well as a very impressive selection of 15/16th Century armour. The latter wasn't really to Kathryn's taste, but I found them fascinating and not a bit gruesome too...

There was so much to see that by the time I had explored the Renaissance rooms, with some stunning examples of illuminated manuscripts, all protected from daylight by heavy leather covers, there simply wasn't enough time either to see the special Agincourt exhibition in the basement, nor to even venture upstairs to see what is apparently the largest collection of Marie Antoinette's furniture in the world.

We have already agreed to return together in the spring for a second go at exploring what is definitely one of London's hidden gems.

Walking back to the station via Oxford Street, I couldn't resist having a look at the new Tesla showroom there. I started chatting to a potential customer and think that I may have convinced him: I should have asked for a commission!