More re-visits of museums that need more than a light once-over to feel like you've really been there—British Museum, Imperial War Museum and Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms. Wow! What a lot of different kinds of history!The BM is truly an unforgettable experience as a building as well as for the amazing collections it holds. Above is a picture of its Grand Court, taken from a peephole on an upper floor. What a wonderful
place to meet friends who went to different galleries, have lunch, and just hang out. I made it to some galleries I'd missed during my first visit, like the American and Asian ones. And I caught an interesting talk about ancient Iraq/Mesopotamia. The attractive game board at the right is from that gallery.The IWM is a much more focused experience, but none the less impressive and educational. This was my fourth visit, and it might be my last, as I was able to spend the whole time Monday in the World War I and II galleries. There is still a lot I just ran out of energy and wasn't able to take in. I think they have the densest exhibit cases, in terms of what you can learn in each one, for any museum I've ever seen. Since I don't believe I've posted pictures from it previously, I thought I'd include a shot of this nice WWI diorama—a good perspective on trench activity, set up to show a section of the Battle of the Somme.
My previous visit to the Churchill Museum was a hurried trip with my class, for which I was a little late, just coming in from the wedding in Denver. So I thought it deserved a more measured perusal, and I'm glad I went back for another go. Henry and I spent about 3 hours there this afternoon. The museum is very interesting and entertaining in its coverage of "Winnie" from birth to death. But the really unique part of the place is the restored War Rooms where he sheltered with his cabinet and military advisers, safe from the raids of Blitz, doodlebugs and flying bombs (V1s and V2s). It really gives you a feeling of "being there" to wander through the warren of hallways and peek into rooms like this command center, with its multicolored phones and maps all over the walls.
You'd think the mannequins they have positioned in the rooms would be a cheesy touch, but they really add to the realism and more than once I glanced over and thought there was really someone there. It's not as scary as living with the real fear that Hitler would invade England at any moment, but it's spooky, as well as fascinating, all the same.
4 comments:
If I lived in the city, I am certain I would spend every minute in the museums. I thought the WWI exhibit at the IWM was very well done. I learned so much.
I figure if I lived in London I'd never go to a movie. When I needed a couple of hours entertainment I'd just pick one room, or one part of a room, in any of the museums, and just go and read all there was about EVERYTHING in that room. By the time I'd seen everything in every museum, they would probably have all new exhibits, so it could be a life-long activity!
Dear Kathy,
Probably the last thing you want is some boring old Brit like me, whom you've never met and whom you're never likely to meet, paying compliments to your blog.
I've held off long enough -- though I have been reading it for a good number of weeks now -- but now I must say it: your blog is wonderful. It displays all the enthusiasm, generosity, and open-heartedness that we Brits associate with the best of our American cousins; and I honour you for it, just as you honour our country by your far-too-short stay here. It also reminds me that I must visit again those sites and parts of the country that you have enjoyed, and look at them with fresh eyes.
With admiration, and great thanks, yours,
Howard
What a sweet comment, Howard! To mirror your very flattering remarks, your post expresses perfectly for me the welcoming, courteous, and altogether delightful experience of interactions with your fellow-citizens during my (I agree!) too-brief visit to your wonderful country. Thanks so much for taking the time to drop me this note!
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