Making the most of the July weather, 8 members stayed at 63 (Soroptimist Residential Club in Bayswater) on 30 July. Barbara Jeremiah, leader of our textile project group had organised a fabulous weekend of visits and dining for the 2 days.
Given the recent rail issues, we arrived in two cars and parked in reserved spaces behind 63 for the 2 days. All went to plan and after meeting up we went to the V&A Museum. We enjoyed lunch outdoors in the Garden Café of the John Madejski Garden in the centre of the Museum. It has a shallow pool, so is very popular with families and for a short paddle for aching feet.
Afterwards we followed Barbara as she highlighted some amazing textiles to look at. These were s
pectacular pieces ranging from large wall hangings to small intricate bead work on baskets. The works dated from the early 1500s to the 1700s. Barbara was helpful in pointing out interesting nuances of each piece. We also stopped by the ‘Great Bed of Ware’, a huge four poster famous for reputedly sleeping eight people, which you can see in the photo.
We enjoyed the guided’ Highlights of the V&A’ Tour. This included the magnificent central glass chandelier by Chihuly which hangs in the rotunda above the main reception. It also included the Hereford Screen, a plaster cast of Michelangelo’s ‘David’, the Frederick Lord Leighton murals and ended with the beautiful marble statue ‘The Three Graces’. There are many different tours on offer and this tour helped us to navigate various galleries.
We then made our way for an amazing Italian meal in the King’s Road, at a restaurant owned by Barbara’s family friends. As you can see, we enjoyed an excellent repast, wine and conversation. We returned (fully sated) to 63 and crashed out for the night.
The next morning, after a pleasant buffet breakfast we visited the Wallace Collection. In Hertford House, it displays the art collection brought together by the first four marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace. It was bequeathed to the British nation by Lady Wallace in 1897.
We were qu
ite spell-bound by the grandeur and sumptuous furnishings of the rooms, a huge 
collection of paintings by the Dutch masters, home to the Laughing Cavalier, Canaletto, Reubens, Fragonard etc. The iconic Fragonard painting called ‘The Swing’ has a particularly fascinating story of its own. There is a strong French theme throughout the house, as the 4th Marquis, residing mostly in Paris, used it as a store for his ever-expanding art collection. The result is some beautiful French furniture and Sèvres porcelain as well as stunning works of art.
After appreciating the many treasures in the house, we enjoyed lunch in the courtyard café. All too soon it was time to return to 63 and make the journey home.
The weekend was a great success, and also afforded some of our newer members their first visit to 63. We had plenty of opportunities to get to know each other better and build friendships. The feedback was very positive and we would all certainly return should the occasion allow. Our thanks to Barbara Jeremiah for organising the weekend and arranging such marvellous treasures for us to see.
