New Street Art at Portobello Market

This weekend was spent exploring Holland Park and Notting Hill. A craving for some delicious tacos at El Camino turned into a chance to see a live art show.

A collective of street artists were collaborating on a large wall.

It was amazing to see these works of art come to life in front of us...

 and to witness the techniques of the artists first hand.

Though there must have been 30 people watching them work, they didn't seem to break a sweat or make a mistake. Not something I think I could do!

I am excited to go back and see the final result!

To see the art for yourself- they sit at the entrance to Ladbroke Grove Station entrance to Portobello Market (right next to the A40).

Wordless Wednesday: Ghost Signs of London

across from Ladbroke Grove Underground

on Camden High St

hidden signs like ghosts
a city's past life on top
the bricks of London

The Cow and Astornaut of Barnes: A Mystery

or "Moooo-ston we have a problem"?

On my jaunt to Barnes this weekend I noticed two neighbors on prestigious Thames waterfront properties were playing the most interesting game of Keeping up with the Kardashians. 

In my mind one neighbor threw a tacky piece of art on their balcony and -not to be outdone- the people next door bought the first life size art they could find and plonked it down on their balcony.

Evidence here:

Cow sculpture in Richmond

Astronaut statue in Richmond

After some extensive google investigation, I found that this Salt Cow of Barnes was part of the Cow Parade in 2002, and was sold in an auction in October of that year. The sculpture is officially called "Salt Beef".

One thing that annoys me that the sculpture is clearly of a bull, but is mysteriously called a cow. I may only be annoyed because I was a blue-jacket wearing, card carrying member of the FFA  (that you probably know from Napolean Dynamite). But maybe I shouldn't get caught up in bovine gender identity issues when there is a greater mystery at hand.

The Buzz Lightyear Aldrin homage remains an enigma, as no amount of searching turned up a background. This leads me to believe that the Salt Beef was the first quirky statue on the block and the astronaut was a hasty addition.

Have you seen the 'Cow' and Astronaut of Barnes? Do you know their story? Share!

The Power of Making London Design Festival at the V&A

The V&A Museum has installed an impressive welcome to London Design Festival with their "Timber Wave" sculpture by Amanda Levete Architects in front of their main entrance.

The huge wood spiral is made of good ol' American Red Oak and just immense.

Though it looks nice during the day, the lit-up curved wood at night is absolutely beautiful.

The V&A has some special design exhibits for the festival, but I recommend their Power of Making exhibit, which highlights how traditional craft-work can be seen in everyday objects and technologies.

Don't forget to check out the temporary House of Annie Lennox exhibit while you are there!

Sweet Dreams at V&A's Friday Lates: The House of Annie Lennox

Last week I went to the V&A Museum's Friday Lates, where the special exhibits stay open until 10pm accompanied by cocktails, DJ's and unique events.

We headed up to see the temporary House of Annie Lennox exhibit in the film & theatre wing which featured awards, clothes, music, video, and writing of the Eurythmics lead singer.

Entrance to the House of Annie Lennox
(ignore the Rhino)

inside the mini house was a usable desk filled with Annie's writing

one of Annie's signature outfits on display

My favorite bit of the exhibit were the cubby holes you stuck your head into. While looking down at some artifacts from one of Annie's albums, your ears were filled with it's signature sound.

my favorite cubby hole

The V& A is also selling some Annie Lennox tee's and badges (pins) but I am a disappointed thy are not having her disco mouse ears headband in the shop.

The House of Annie Lennox is a must-see for any Annie Lennox/Eurythmics fan, but BE WARNED: your husband WILL be singing "Sweet Dreams are Made of These" for the next few days.


You can visit a virtual exhibit on Annie Lennox's website or find out more about visiting the V&A House of Annie Lennox on their site.

Stay tuned for more V&A Wednesday

Drank, Shopped, and Did @ Drink, Shop & Do

With holidays, work and family obligations, life can get pretty hectic in these parts. A month went by before I could get together with some girlfriends, so on Tuesday we met up for some much needed friend time at King's Cross' Drink, Shop & Do.

Situated just near Kings Cross station, it is the perfect place to meet up with my commuter friends before they traveled back to the home counties for the evening. I have been trying to make it to this shop for more than a year now, so glad we finally made an excuse to go!

A vintage boutique, a craft shop, a restaurant, a tea room, and a school are just some of the services they offer. Normally, an idea like this would come out like a mess, but the ladies of D, S & D, put it all together with charm and style to create the perfect ladies night out atmosphere.

We sat in the Dome room in the back of the café, which can be rented out for private parties, and ordered a bottle of wine. I ordered a Lemon Drizzle, a delicious little lemon bar.

Everything, and I mean everything, in the restaurant and shop is for sale, from the vintage table & chairs we sat on to the plates we were eating off. I am wishing I had a bit more space in my flat to accommodate for some of the lovely mid-century chairs sitting in their café.

 

The DO part of Drink, Shop & Do comes in on their daily rotating list of activities: Scrabble Tuesdays, tutorials on pin-up hairstyles- to lectures on fashion illustration.

Tuesday nights are Knitting group nights, and you can reserve a space at the beginners table where they will teach you the basic knitting techniques. Their store offers all you would need to start your knitting adventure here.

Our Drink, Shop & Do experience was a success and we are definitely headed back here soon. I am thinking for their Dolly Parton- listining, clay-molding night!

Where are your favorite places for Girls Night Out?