Fashion on the Ration Verdict

Yesterday, 3rd May, I headed up to London to join a good friend of mine, Laura Howard of BugsandFishes, to nip over to the Fashion on the Ration Exhibition at the Imperial War Museum. A place I don't think I've been too since I was a kid, needless to say it's changed quite a bit since then. Especially given the major revamp which saw it close for a considerable amount of time to do it. 

Alas, as it was a paid for exhibition I don't have any photographs from the actual exhibit so you'll have to use your imagination, or pop over to the website to see a few snap shots. It certainly was very well laid out, and very interesting. I always was a sucker for a well tailored attire, and especially uniforms. You might recall in 2012 I went to Goodwood Revival which was an utter hoot and who doesn't love a spot of dressing up. 

Anyway, back to the exhibition. A very well curated collection of clothing and not just women's there was information on the demob suits and how men's clothing was adapted to use for the whole family. I think the only thing I found that they missed a trick on, was having live demonstrations of how clothing was adapted (there were a few videos but nothing beats seeing it in person), even the mending that was constantly talked about, how do you darn tights? I think that would have added an extra something to it, and perhaps even to entice kids into the whole make do and mend. Which I am sure some people see as just a passing fad, forgetting the realities of what people had endure during the second world war. Would we cope now? Not so sure, for one thing the clothing that many people purchase now, really wouldn't even survive to being mended or patched. 

Still, it was very interesting and easily navigated and viewed in a comfortable hour and a half. 

I also liked being able walk about the IWM again, especially the WW1 exhibition on the ground floor..or was it basement?

Been to any interesting exhibitions of late or is there one coming up you can't wait to see. 

Museums and Dragons

I'm pleased to say that I've had a rather successful weekend, not feeling so foggy of the mind, everything that I wanted to do, I've done. Feels good. Sometimes there is that worry if you make a plan to do something, especially at the weekend, it doesn't always go to plan. But largely speaking, for a change this weekend has gone the way I had hoped.

From getting all my housework completed on Friday night, to allow me then to nip up to London first thing to head straight to the Wallace Museum. I wanted to get up early before Oxford Street becomes completely impossible to navigate. And as it was a really sunny day it was going to bring everyone out. Which it did. 

If you've not heard of the Wallace Museum, you might have at least heard of one of it's most famous artworks, the Laughing Cavalier and the Swing. It's certainly not the biggest of the galleries or museums' in London but it's one of my favorites. I think this is largely because it's not as well known, it's easy to navigate and the collections are not overwhelming. That isn't to say it's not extensive, not at all. They have a beautiful collection of illuminated texts, Dutch paintings, miniatures, and arms and so forth. In the center, is a rather beautiful covered courtyard, perfect for a spot of afternoon tea. 

After a couple of hours of doodling and drinking tea, I nipped off to get some of my favourite popcorn from Selfridges, special treat. A quick drool session over the beautiful watches and jewellery then dodging all the tourists to get to my fave stationary shop in Covent Garden before heading home to pass out...no not quite, was shattered though. A spot of stitching, milling about the flat, talking to friends in the States then I settled down to watch Grande Budapest Hotel, love Wes Anderson films, and pampering my rather tired feet. 

As for today?

Well more decorating, yeah the hallway...still not finished BUT I have now sanded down the woodwork ready for painting, hopefully next weekend. Hopefully.

I also cracked on with the Dragon stumpwork, and have finally got the embroidery part of the shield complete, I now just need to add a quick bit of ribbon detailing at the top, then I can crack on with the Dragon itself. Can't wait to crack on with the dragon, it will be made up of lots of different pieces, some of which I haven't fully decided on how they will be stitched, so nothing like a working progress!