beccy07's Qype reviews
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Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery Trafalgar Square London , London WC2N 5DN
beccy07
wrote on 30 January 2012
The fragility of Leonardo’s paintings and drawings have made it nearly impossible to pull off a Leonardo show of any size.
Leonardo Da Vinci: Painter at The Court of Milan at The National Gallery is the largest collection of work ever gathered in one place.
Leonardo spent nearly 20 years in Milan and the gallery has seven paintings that have survived from that period.
These include the recently discovered and restored, once thought lost masterpiece of Christ as Salvator Mundi.
There is also the stunning early copy by his pupil Giampietrino of the famous Last Supper Leonardo painted for the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
The tickets for this sold out in a matter of weeks and I feel very lucky that I managed to purchase two for this once in a lifetime exhibition.
I found myself extremely moved by Da Vinci’s paintings, especially the two versions of the Virgin of the Rocks, one housed by the Louvre in Paris, the other by the National Gallery itself. These two paintings have never been in the same room together, even during Leonardo’s lifetime.
There is something of the spiritual about Leonardo Da Vinci’s work that can’t help but make you feel moved and in awe of his unique talent.
The experience and privilege of visiting Painter at The Court of Milan at The National Gallery will stay with my for the rest of my life.
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Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 6NE
Cafe In The Crypt, St.Martin-in-the-Fields
beccy07
wrote on 28 March 2011
The beautiful Georgian architecture at St Martin in The Fields church and crypt was designed in 1721 by James Gibbs and took five years to complete.
It is well known for it's wonderful live music concerts in the evenings but what is less well known is it's free lunch time concerts that it holds every Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
I have found myself heading down to one when I've had a few hours to spare or if I've had a friend or family member staying.
As it is around lunchtime, it is the perfect time to grab a bite to eat, and The Cafe in the Crypt, which is directly below the church is the place to continue your experience.
The beautiful 18th century brick-vaulted Crypt has been transfered into a stylish cafe and serves very reasonably priced lunch, afternoon tea and dinner on a daily basis.
There is a impressive selection of sandwiches, soups and hot meals, all cooked freshly on site and using where possible locally sourced ingredients.
Wednesday is Jazz Night in the Café in the Crypt, where you can enjoy a unique and fabulous fusion of great jazz, food and drink.
This stunning place is perfect to relax and chat about the music you have just experienced or if you just fancy somewhere unique for a spot of afternoon tea.
