MAYFAIR
As the name suggests this are was once the site for the May Fair held in what were once fields. Now synonymous with high end homes and wealth.
Below a doorman stands guard outside a “club” for gentleman.
Speaking of cars a Morgan with perhaps “The” Mr Pink who’s high end shirt shops are to be seen in all good neighborhoods.
Mr Pink was an 18th century London tailor who designed the iconic “red” hunting coat. The coat was made of scarlet cloth but was always referred to as “PINK” in honour of its originator.
Below– A statue of Mr Beau Brummell Esquire.
“An iconic figure in Regency period England the arbiter of men’s fashion, and a friend of the Prince Regent, the future King George IV. He established the mode of dress for men that rejected overly ornate fashions for one of understated, but perfectly fitted and tailored clothing. This look was based on dark coats, full-length trousers rather than knee breeches and stockings, and above all immaculate shirt linen and an elaborately knotted cravat.
Beau Brummell is credited with introducing, and establishing as fashion, the modern men’s suit, worn with a necktie.
He claimed he took five hours a day to dress, and recommended that boots be polished with champagne. His style of dress is often referred to as dandyism.
He claimed he took five hours a day to dress, and recommended that boots be polished with champagne. His style of dress is often referred to as dandyism.
Below-Because of him the area became very fashionable with many enclosed shopping arcades or malls popping up like this one where he would have bought his clothes.
The modern well dressed man can still obtain his clothing here in Jermyn Street or Bond Street or nearby Saville Row.
Below a shopfront on Bond Street.
ARCHITECTURAL DETAIL
Below– Details on South Africa House in Trafalgar Square.
Below– A piece of Edwardiana in the City. Like a ship in a financial sea.
Below the Art Deco Daily Express building on Fleet Street . The newspapers have now all fled the area
A mosaic on the entrance way to the National Gallery. Many pass over this without paying much attention. Obviously Churchill giving the two finger salute to the monster of fascism.
Below. The Adelphi on the Strand. It says loudly…We are classicists and will have none of that modern stuff here!
Below-Interior of St. Martin In The Fields.
We took shelter in here from the crowds and the pavement to find it an oasis of cool and with a chamber group rehearsing The Brandenburg Concertos for their evening performance.
Below-This is Lord Leightons House.He was a superstar painter in the Victorian era.
Solitude– by Lord Leighton.
Flaming June by Leighton
Below-Apart from Halls and Memorials etc there is also an Albert Bridge.
Another piece of Victorian exuberance in red and white iron.
Below-Another piece of Victoriana is the statue of Peter pan in Kensington Gardens.
____________
In the Regency Period 1837 John Nash designed some spectacular buildings and environments.
Below-Standing at the entrance to any house this is what one would see.
