Swans on the Serpentine |
by Sir Thomas Lawrence |
In the 170-years since his death, the Duke’s reputation as a great military strategist and statesman has tended to overshadow his reputation during his lifetime, which was that he was something of a ‘ladies’ man’.The house and exhibit were delightful and it was obvious that his marriage was unhappy because his wife did not share any of his interests or enjoy society and witty conversation. It was entertaining to learn about the women he chose to spend time with instead. Just as I was wondering if Wellington, the military hero, and Lord Nelson, the naval hero, had crossed paths, a curator had anticipated my question and a notice explained they had met just once in 1805. Nelson initially appeared arrogant to Wellington but apparently, there was soon a meeting of the minds.
Through letters, portraits and much more, on loan from public and private collections, Wellington, Women and Friendship will present an intimate picture of a very public life; revealing Wellington’s social circle, his marriage and how his friendships with women could sometimes provoke rumour and gossip.
Wellington, Women and Friendship presents twenty works including paintings, miniatures, drawings and previously unseen or published letters, plus contemporary cartoons which present a window onto the world of society gossip during the 19TH-century. Many of these portraits of the woman he corresponded with hung in his own home during his lifetime.
This room was sometimes used for the annual Waterloo Anniversary Dinner |
Hyde Park Corner |
Dr. Steele and Amanda thinking hard |
Books donated to the Marylebone Library: 2
8 comments:
Wonderful experiences. Do you have a stand out "best" or "most memorable"?
That is a good question! Even though I had been to Oxford before, I think visiting the library at Christ Church College, seeing its treasures, and talking to the librarian there about Cambridgeshire was one of the most satisfying experiences, along with visiting Green Knowe. And visiting the London Library, seeing Georgette Heyer's picture and knowing she spent time there was also very enjoyable. When our professor asked us for feedback on the libraries we visited so she could determine which ones to keep in future years, it was very hard to say that any were less enlightening than others. The moment when they started showing us their treasures was always a lot of fun too! I also really enjoyed going to the theatre. Because it was so much less expensive than in New York or Boston, I was more spontaneous about it. I usually invited the others to join me but I didn't mind going alone if no one else was interested and saw some great shows.
I remember when I was in library school in the early 1980's a visit to three "special libraries" in Chicago, one the library of the Art Institute, one a newspaper library for the Tribune and I think the third was associated with the Natural History Museum, was a big thrill. But the ones you were able to visit sound like they were outstanding.
Many thanks for sharing with us.
Jerri
This has been so lovely to read - thank you for taking the time to take us all along on your adventures!
I was wondering what your course was? I have been going backwards reading your posts. I am enjoying reading of places you are visiting for ideas for future trips.
Jerri, surprised you did not visit the Newberry Library! I have walked by it and been very curious. We did visit some lovely places - the moment when they brought out their treasures, as I may have mentioned, was very cool. Sometimes we were so eager to see what they had that we were sneaking looks the whole time they were talking. It was also interesting that my classmates, much younger than I, really enjoyed talking to the entry-level librarians we occasionally met whereas I liked talking to the bosses!
Liz, thank you for reading. I had hoped to get up your way but when the trains started going on strike, I unplanned some of my trips. But there is always next time!
Jean, I am finishing a master's degree in library and information science. This course was the final six credits I needed to graduate. I did not get much work done on my term paper this weekend but I need to finish it by July 22, and then I am done.
You packed a lot into that last day and with bookstore visits as well. I would have been very tired after just half of the day was done.
Hyde Park sounds wonderful, I would have loved to have been there.
Thank you for the information re your course. Jean
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