National Gallery and Tate Britain, London

 

I decided to take the grandchildren to London by coach to view the paintings and art in the  two galleries. On arriving in the Cromwell Road we were greeted by lots of Union Jacks and Olympic banners. It was a very festive sight, and the children loved it

Building sites were hidden by these hoardings.

Not sure what was happening at Harrods.. it looked quite odd. The green awnings had been taken down and very few windows were dressed. Quite disappointing.

 The Dorchester in Park Lane made us give out some Oooohs and Ahhhs. The cars parked outside were incredibly expensive!

 We finally managed to get to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery... which was.our first stop. We had to stop and look at the Bronze sculpture on the Fourth Plinth.. more details here

 

The National Gallery Looked ready for the Paralympic Games ... and we heard the next day that David Cameron and Boris Johnson were at Trafalgar Square.. so we missed them by a day. All the preparations had been done though. Inside we followed the children's trail.See Here It was just right for us. We then also viewed the modern galleries and the firm favourite was - the tiger- Henri Rousseau. After refreshments and a visit to the shop. We then went out into the sunshine.

Of course we had to sit by the fountains. .and because it was breezy ... we got wet!

Then it was back on the coach for the trip to Tate Britain on the embankment.

 We passed Westminster Abbey on the way.... that's were THE wedding took place last year,and before we knew it we were at Tate Britain. Long walk round to the  Manton Road entrance as some building work is going on at the front entrance.
.

 Tate Modern had a wonderful interactive sculpture space for the children.. see Here and the children were soon engrossed. The Howard Hodgkin Exhibition on the walls kept me amused as well!

Usain Bolt on his podium!

After a great time looking round the gallery we headed for the Embankment to have a look at the Thames.. so much wider than where we live.

Needless to say the children could not wait to get back on the coach for a rest.. and we thought this an appropriate painting.

Then we saw this wonderful sculpture

Isn't this amazing? Its over the front entrance to the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington.