A WEEK END IN THE COUNTRY

On Friday we headed out of London for the quiet of our house in the country. We hadn't been for three weeks and it has rained almost constantly since we were last there. We were concerned for our baby Barn Owls when we were last saw them there were three owlets. We were relieved to see two large fat babies and not surprised that one hadn't made it. Both parents were working flat out bringing in a constant supply of mice and voles.

On our pond a mallard has taken up residence in the luxury duck house 

We dream of ducks but the herons normally massacre the ducklings and there are lots of herons!..................


Everything is green and lush................

Like in our house in Provence we get the most marvellous skies

BBC3 now have operas on Saturday evenings and Thursday afternoons and last Thursday was the La Fille du Regiment with Natalie Dessay and Juan Diego Florez..............and all for free what a joy, blogging to music of this quality live from the Opera House.
Il Faut Partir............. 
La fille du Régiment N. Dessay, J. D. Flórez

FRENCH AND ENGLISH ANTIQUES JUST ARRIVED

New in the shop is this French Regènce period gilt mirror

This highly decorative early 18th century French mirror is decorated with carved dolphins, flowers and leaves is 4'6" high and 2' 4" wide.

We also have a blonde oak English 'Arts and Crafts' Partners Desk............a completely different look!

and....... with the grandeur of the Jubilee this set of 12  Armorial prints by William Segar and Joseph Edmondson. Published London, 1764-84

More soon........................

A WEEK END TO REMEMBER

Antiques have taken a back seat for the last few days...............as the whole of London celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Sunday it was the pageant on the Thames. Dinner the night before looking out over the water........

The following day we decided to go to the mouth of the Thames by way of the Olympic stadium and the docks north of the river. Stopping for a sandwich at a brand new cafe near the Olympic Stadium, good food and nice people!

Leon a local.............

.............fishing from the docks at Tilbury, the water is now so clean that Dover sole are caught despite the "no fishing" sign............and a seal had just been seen................

Canvey Island at the mouth of the Thames

News of antiques and the shop soon..................

THE THAMES

The ships and boats are preparing for Sunday's show and are gathering in the pool of London.

JUBILEE FEVER IN THE KING'S ROAD

The count down is now on and it expected to pour with rain and be freezing cold on Sunday.........however not wanting to let the side down