See-worthy

London, England Today was spent in Greenwich, home of important nautical history buildings, and the Royal Observatory, home of the prime meridian. Only a fraction of what’s available passed in front of my camera today, as the real focus of the day was a reunion with two dear friends.

When we weren’t catching up over tea and coffee, we strolled through the Queen’s House, the beautiful building designed by Inigo Jones, completed in 1637. The queen it was designed for, Anne of Denmark, wife of James I, died while it was being built. Henrietta Maria, Charles I’s consort, was fortunate enough to be the queen in charge when it was completed.

This jewel of a building contains the art collection of the National Maritime Museum, containing naval-oriented masterpieces by Turner, Canelleto and Lowry. Notable portraits of QE I and related Tudors hang among sea battles and sea captains.

The building itself is built in lovely proportions, as highlighted by the square Great Hall, and the graceful “tulip staircase.”

In looking down onto the staircase from above, I thought it interesting that it resembles a chambered nautilus.

With a little time to spare, we spent a brief moment in the National Maritime Museum, admiring refurbished figureheads and the royal barge built for Prince Frederick in 1732. Hard to believe the daffodils are already out, especially given how cold the day was.

Lots more to see here, so we will return soon. It was time to head for a favorite restaurant, The Ivy in Blackheath, which did not disappoint. Don is not here to give chapter and verse, so just admire the visuals.