London Archives - Reflections of Place

Vincent – The Circle Of Life Painted in Yellow

“How lovely yellow is! It stands for the sun.” – Vincent Van Gogh

‘Sunflowers’ – Vincent Van Gogh –
Image from National Gallery, London

When The National Gallery newsletter announced their reader’s favorite painting for March last year, she was more than pleased. She had cast her vote. Seeing the image of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers in the article swept her back decades, to the first time she had visited the National Gallery.

She stood before that painting in such awe and wonder. Seeing the sunflowers, yellow, with heads bent. Some are naked, with petals dropped, they offer only their seed heads. Some in full yellow bloom, and one so young its leaves still cling to its stem, fifteen of them in all, a rich circle of life, gathered and standing in their yellow vase. The painting is signed along the vase. Vincent. Yes, simply Vincent.

That was her first trip to London and she was thrilled to be there in the excitement of the city. Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Green Park, Hyde Park, St Paul’s, Fleet St, The Tower and its Bridge. Westminster and the Tower of Big Ben. She knew she would return to London and the National Gallery for years to come and she did. Now, it has been nearly twenty years since she last walked those streets and she does long to see them again.

National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London

“If you hear a voice within you saying, ”You are not a painter,” then by all means paint… and that voice will be silenced.” – Vincent van Gogh

Be Well. Stay Safe. Much Love.

Sunflowers Image: National Gallery, London, UK

London & A Souvenir for the Heart

“Oliver’s pillow was smoothed by gentle hands that night; and loveliness and virtue watched him as he slept.”‘Oliver Twist’- Charles Dickens

Half Moon Street & at the end of the road Curzon Street, Mayfair, London, England, UK
Photo: Alamy M1C597

Life sometimes offers a setting in time where the energy of a moment reveals the spirit of a place and that specific point in time becomes a souvenir of the heart.

5:30 AM … Of a morning, Wednesday-November 22nd:

27-41 Half Moon St – Mayfair, London, W1

In the stillness of the morning’s early hours a quietness exists in this little street. The weather is still mild enough to sleep with an open window. I love the crispness of London’s city air this time of year.

Lying in bed, I’m awakened by the sound of whistling outside. The notes echo off the Georgian buildings…the song, a tune…strong, upbeat, heartfelt, sweet. I realize it’s from the musical I attended a few nights ago.

~Consider Yourself- from ‘Oliver!’

The show number rings out from Piccadilly Street to the south, then travels up Half Moon Street moving closer to my window…jaunty. Notes mirrored. Echo answering echo.

~What•ever we’ve got we share!

I can hear his steps now, the sound… a strong and lively stride as heels hit the street – heel-and-toe striking the walkway. Rhythmic. His pace is in time.

~Con•sid •er Your•self One of the Fam•i•ly !

I stay in bed. It seems like a dream. I want to peek out the window. But no, I stay hidden. My imagination builds a scene as beautiful as a scene from the musical. I envision the shadows of his flowing movement as he meets each street lamp.

~Con•sid•er Your•self at Home!

Only a few minutes have elapsed since the first note called out. The whistler’s melody reverberates in this once bohemian street of London. Moving north on Half Moon Street his steps begin fading as he rounds the corner at Curzon Street. The whistler’s final notes are clear.

~Con•sid•er Your•self One of Us!

Be Well. Stay Safe. Much Love.
_{Story © 2020 Molly Cox}

*Oliver! Lionel Bart’s Musical-Based on the Charles Dickens story- ‘Oliver Twist’*
*1994 West End revival -A Cameron Mackintosh Production*
*1994-1998 – at the London Palladium*
*Photo © 2020 Molly Cox*

London’s Royal Parks In Their Fall Colors

3 of 8, St James Park, The Green Park, Hyde Park

“The parks be the lungs of London.”
– Charles Dickens

Late fall is a great time to visit London and it’s 8 Royal Parks are perfect for strolling. If you’re out for a hike or you’re searching for a peaceful ramble after a day of shopping and sightseeing, these 3 parks offer the tranquil space you crave.

From Trafalgar Square, down Whitehall to the Horse Guard enter St James Park.

St James Park with it’s beautiful flower gardens, weeping willows, fountain and fowl. Ducks, geese, swans and pelicans roam the grounds. Swans may approach you looking for a snack and if you’re timing is right you will witness the Horse Guard Parade. The Life Guard change takes place here at 11:00am daily and 10:00am on Sundays.

From St James Park, cross the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace to enter The Green Park.

In Green Park you’ll treasure the beautiful walks wandering the paths. Find a bench and linger to relish the green space of grasslands and magnificent trees. Bring a picnic to savor a meal on the lawn. Don’t be surprised if you see two friends sharing a bench and a nip from a brown bag.

When your meal is complete roam the pathways to emerge at Hyde Park.

In Hyde Park enjoy watching locals feeding breadcrumbs to the pigeons and squirrels.

Hire a bike and bicycle Hyde Park or stroll the paths. Appreciate the lake view, hire a boat and row or pedal the lake at Serpentine Lake. Visit the many memorials and don’t forget to find the statue of Peter Pan. On a Sunday Morning meander to the north east corner and have a listen to the orators at Speaker’s Corner.

After spending time in these parks you’ll want to discover more of their history, and with a nod to Dickens you’ll agree “The parks be the lungs of London”.

For more on the history of the parks visit their official site

https://www.royalparks.org.uk/

Be Well. Stay Safe. Much Love.