On Tuesday 10 March we will visit the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. We last visited it in February 2019 and you can see what we did last time by clicking here: There is quite extensive public access to the building, and in particular there is public access to the 5th floor rear of the building, next to the smart Cicoria restaurant, where people can look over the balcony at Covent Garden, a stunning view. Roofed, but no windows. You may have to stand by the balcony, but you may be lucky and get a chair. Inside there are views looking down into the Floral Hall, now renamed, but the window facade is still there, and there are costume displays scattered around, particularly at one side of the ground floor cafe. The ballet costumes have gone from the entrance to Cicoria restaurant, and have been replaced by heads similar to those in the recent tv production of the Lord of the Flies, very atmospheric and scary, and interesting to sketch.
Alternatively, if the weather is reasonable, people may wish to sketch outside. There is a covered walkway at the rear of the Opera House with ground level views of the Market and piazza, hopefully far enough away from the Market to avoid the noise.
We will assemble just inside the rear entrance to the Opera House which is at the north east corner of the piazza, as previously, at 11 o'clock. It is close to the entrance to the ground floor cafe where we may have lunch (central London prices). The nearest tube station is Covent Garden, on the Piccadilly Line, or Leicester Square station on the Northern Line is not very far away.
Bring your stools, as your selected view may not have seating. Previously, the House was relaxed about watercolours being used, hopefully this is still the case.
Sue's mobile number for the day will be:07975 864142. We look forward to another pleasant and productive day's sketching.
