(Brace yourselves for a very picture-heavy post!)
The beauty that is Kent...
Evening sky over Bayswater, London.
Is it a bird? A plane? Superman?? No--it's a flying pig! Here's our little tribute to Pink Floyd. We couldn't miss seeing the old Power Station at Battersea on our way to Battersea Park. We've taken some artistic liberties with the photo we took that day...
While visiting the Tate Britain Gallery we had the unexpected thrill of seeing Lord Leighton's Flaming June. This gorgeous Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece was on loan from Puerto Rico, where she usually resides. We never thought we would get to see her for real! She'll be at the Tate until next year, so do go and see her if you can!
Dear Husband (a.k.a. Mr. Purl to some!) admiring the lake at Syon Park.
And this is the Mrs. enjoying tea and sandwiches at the very nice cafe in The British Library. This was our first taste of the very scrummy Bakewell Cake/Tart!
At St. Pancras Station we saw this amazing sculpture, "The Meeting Place", designed by British artist Paul Day. It is 9 meters/30 feet high! Also at St. Pancras is Martin Jennings' smaller (but equally impressive) sculpture of the poet Sir John Betjeman, a vital force in the redevelopment of the station.
The dreamy tower and garden at Sissinghurst, Kent.
St. Paul's Cathedral on a rainy day.
*SNIFF...SNIFF*... one last look at Kent...
why Miss P, thats a very lovely pink stripey number you're modelling! Is it TM Lewin by any chance? I am assuming, given your tiny-ness that you didn't finish that enormous plate of sandiwches and bakewell tart?!!!x
Posted by: Anna | July 24, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Absolutely beautiful pictures Tracy. You obviously had a wonderful time - I'm so pleased. x
Posted by: Kitty | July 24, 2008 at 10:22 PM
You've made me want some tea and sandwiches now.
Beautiful pictures, as always. I especially love the painting and the sculpture and those wonderful row houses. Very English.
Posted by: Brandy | July 24, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Lovely pictures! Looks like you had a wonderful time!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | July 24, 2008 at 10:42 PM
A picture perfect vacation!
Posted by: Wool Winder | July 24, 2008 at 11:26 PM
More great photos! It really does seem like you had a great trip!
Posted by: Di | July 24, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Your pics are lovely - it reminds me of my trip to England where I met my husband!
Posted by: Lisa | July 24, 2008 at 11:53 PM
STUNNING! What else could you possible say! How gorgeous, the pictures make it seem like the air is even lighter~The art work from PR is amazing, the colors are SO vibrant! Im just in awe - thank you so much for sharing, b/c Im sure I wont have the opportunity to go in the near future! Smooches!
Posted by: Renee | July 25, 2008 at 12:40 AM
Wonderful photos! That painting is gorgeous! It looks as if you have many memories of your trip!
take care,
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | July 25, 2008 at 12:45 AM
Beautiful, simply beautiful! Looks like a fantastic holiday! I am looking at your Etsy things and trying to make up my mind!! all so gorgeous! BTW - I have posted my chocolate cherry jam recipe if you want to take a peek!
Posted by: Raquel | July 25, 2008 at 01:41 AM
Gorgeous photgraphs! I love the pastel colors in the sky, and the angles that you used to take soem of them.
The flying pig is hysterical! I'm a Pink Floyd fan too! :-)
Flaming June is wonderful! Lucky that you saw it in person!
Hugs, Pat
Posted by: Pat | July 25, 2008 at 03:54 AM
What glorious beauty to seen in England! Oh, to be in England!
Thank you for sharing, Tracy! What wonderful memories you must surely have!
Posted by: YayaOrchid | July 25, 2008 at 05:55 AM
Love the flying pig!
I'm so glad you had such a good time in UK, it makes me very nostalgic.
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 25, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Gorgeous photos as always Tracy - makes me proud to be English and appreciate what a fabulous country I live in!
I've awarded you the Brilliant Weblog for your inspiration and lovliness!
Have a great weekend.
Anne x
Posted by: Anne | July 25, 2008 at 11:46 AM
your photos are amazing. fabulous shots... the skies in the top 3 pics are so atmostsperic. I love 'flaming june' too, how lucky to be able to see it.
Glad you had such a good time and now have so many happy memories.xx
Posted by: ginny | July 25, 2008 at 03:40 PM
Hi Tracy. Your beautiful photos of England make me long to visit there again. I love England, especially Kent and tea!
I'm so glad you're going to join Thankful Thursday. I'll add you to the list.
Hugs, Rhondi
Posted by: rhondi | July 25, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Tracy wonderful images of your London town trip! Thank you for sharing your great photography!It so hard to choose a favorite when one takes so many ..great photo choices for your post! hugs aNNa
Posted by: naturegirl | July 25, 2008 at 05:29 PM
It looks as if you had a wonderful time. I too am sad that our recent Holiday is over. The pictures are lovely!
Posted by: Lacey | July 25, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Beautiful pics Tracy. It's been hot and humid here today before the thunder storm so the last pic of the river was so appreciated.
Yes "Flaming June!" is a beautiful picture- I do like Pre Raphaelite stuff. Maragaret's "The Earthly Paradise" blog (on my side bar) is full of it -I learn so much there.
Ahh Pink Floyd! I could listen to them for hours. Brill pic. :-)
Posted by: Melanie | July 25, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Tracy, I have to say that these pictures beat shopping any day. It must have been such a wonderful experience to see all this and the Flaming June - stunning. That's one of the best things about traveling...seeing,experiencing and taking pictures and of course the food. The tart looks yummy by the way. I want to do some travelling too, so much I want to see. Can you suggest a good read about Pre-Raphaelite art, you've gotton me curious.
xDy
Posted by: Dyan | July 25, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Such lovely photos. YOu are lucky to visit London. Maybe someday. sigh....
Charlie looks so snug and comfy. He is a gorgeous kitty.
Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Judy | July 25, 2008 at 11:32 PM
I love going on outtings with you! The English photos make me want to return to the UK ASAP! The Norwegian photos bring calm! The fabric and notions photos make me ache for some really sweet buttons and ribbons! What eye candy!
Posted by: Maureen | July 25, 2008 at 11:57 PM
I'm so glad to stop by and see all these pictures. What a treat to encounter the Flaming June. The height of "the Meeting Place" is incredible. Thanks for all you share!
Posted by: Cynthia | July 26, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Tracy, you are such a talented photographer. These are wonderful!
Posted by: hazel designs | July 28, 2008 at 05:53 AM
Dearest Tracy
What a visual treat!! Beautiful pictures everywhere and finally even got a peek at Mr Purl hehehe...the last time I was there was a godzillion years ago, always love UK for its old charm..but almost impossible to shop for us as its way too expensive :)
Posted by: M.Kate | July 29, 2008 at 03:36 AM