|
| Well I finally managed a recent visit to the newly refurbished and even more spectacular Painted Hall in the grounds of The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. I had originally planned to make a visit there late last year in November. And it was only at the eleventh hour that I discovered that the Great Hall was in fact closed down for a two year lottery funded refurbishment project at a cost of £8.5 million, recently re-opening to the public in March, although before the official re-opening visitors were allowed close up views of the main ceiling by climbing up steps on the temporary Hall scaffolding. This classic English Baroque building was originally opened in 1649. And the grand interior and ceiling was painted between 1707 and 1726 by artist Sir James Thornhill. And it's not surprising that the Great Hall is often referred to as Britain's Sistine Chapel. For those that can afford it, The Hall is open for public hire for events like wedding receptions and banquets. And the grounds of The Old Royal Naval College just outside The Hall is well worth exploring. The Hall itself was used for Admiral Lord Nelson's laying-in-state in 1806 after Nelson's death at The Battle of Trafalgar. And there's even a plaque in the floor marking the spot where Nelson was laid. It's quite odd how I sometimes read that the artist responsible for this grand 20 year project has often been overlooked by history. Yet back in his day Sir James Thornhill's name and fame as an artist was unrivalled. And yet for me the artist's name doesn't slip off the tongue as easily as artists like the more familiar Turner, Joshua Reynolds or Gainsborough. The main great ceiling artwork in the Painted Hall celebrates the accessions to the throne of William III and Mary II in 1688 as well as George I in 1714, while also depicting a cast of 200 figures that tell a story of political change, scientific and cultural achievements, naval endeavours, and commercial enterprise against a series of spectacular backdrops. For more information on The Old Royal Naval College as well as The Great Painted Hall visit their official website HERE. OH, AND WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY REVISED BLOG CHRYSALISM, A BLOG FOR SOME OF MY OWN PERSONAL STUFF. WITH THINGS LIKE MY OWN PHOTOGRAPHY INCLUDING SEASONAL NATURE AND FESTIVAL PICTURES TAKEN AROUND LONDON AS WELL AS DAY TRIPS AROUND OUR COAST. AND NOT FORGETTING MY MANY PICTURES TAKEN AROUND WEST CORNWALL. ALSO INCLUDED HERE WILL BE SOME PICTURES OF ANY HOME BUILDING PROJECTS. I ALWAYS SEEM TO HAVE SO MANY ON THE GO. |
 |
| Above and below: The grounds of The Old Royal Naval College designed by Sir Christopher Wren. And just close by is The River Thames and Canary Wharf. The Cutty Sark Ship is the best starting point for a visit to these historic grounds. |
 |
| Below and quite close to The Cutty Sark is Hardys Sweetshop Greenwich. It's a candy shop paradise for lovers of vintage sweets. And we're talking sweets that you simply don't see any more. |
