January's outing was to the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square.
12 people attended in total, although one forgot her glasses and another was distracted by the church (Spanish Place) on the way there and arrived at lunchtime.
The collection is of course superb and our artists benefitted from this by sketching from the pictures and of course the armour.
Some people managed to go to the special exhibition of water colours commissioned by the East India company, again a magnificent display.
The cafe in the courtyard was rather crowded, not helped by a block booking for a later cream tea, but some of us managed to get tables, where we were able to exchange gossip and of course sketching tips.
Altogether a good winter outing.
The next outing is to Southwark Cathedral on Tuesday 3 March. More details to follow.
January's outing is on Tuesday 28 January from 11 am and is to the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square. Meet initially in the entrance. There is a spectacular central atrium, a multifarious collection of paintings, porcelain and furniture, long views through galleries and even an armoury display. All collected by the Marquesses of Hertford and Richard Wallace during the C18th and C19th and ultimately bequeathed to the nation together with Hertford House, their London Mansion. The free displays includes a Rembrandt, a Rubens and a Frans Hals as well as works by Fragonard and Boucher.
Entry to the Wallace Collection is free.
The current exhibition is 'Forgotten Masters: Indian Painting for the East India Company". This is a paying exhibition (Adult £12 without donation, Concession £9 without donation) but there are excellent water colours depicting Indian plants, animals and life in the Raj.
The address is Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN and the nearest tubes are Bond Street, Baker Street and Oxford Circus, not to mention the Oxford Street buses.
The cafe/restaurant is run by Peyton and Byrne is in the atrium. There are some 'affordable' options but this is not Smithfield Market workers' cafe prices.
The website for the Wallace Collection is www.wallacecollection.org
Janet's number for the day is 07815 772857 and Sue's is 07975 864142
Hertford House
M ester Square
London W1U 3BNHertford House
Manchester Square
London W1U 3BN
