Mercer’s

As usual, we shopped at Sainsbury’s this morning and on the way home called in at Msrcer’s for takeaway coffee.

Myddelton Square

After lunch, we set out again, passing through Myddelton Square. You may be able to make out my favourite, the Curvaceous Tree, on the corner in front of the church.

Myddelton’s deli – closed

We were, of course, heading for the deli but it was closed.

Essex Market

Instead, we walked down to Essex Market and…

Caffè Nero

…paid a visit to Caffè Nero.

Aboard the 341

After our coffee break, we caught a 341 bus.

Royal Courts of Justice

This brought us to where Fleet Street becomes Strand and the Royal Courts of Justice stand.

Recycled sculpture

We passed through some back streets where we found these examples of recycled sculpture. The figure of Justice looks peculiar because it has been rotated 90° from its natural position. Why? Out of ignorance?

Tweezers Alley

We passed by the curiously named Tweezers Alley and…

Middle Temple

…that nest of barristers, Middle Temple.

Two Temple Place

Thus we came to Two Temple Place, once Lord Astor’s home and now a fine public gallery hosting all kinds of exhibitions. The current exhibition seems to be entitled pls Don’t Touch the Artwork though it’s listed on the website as a Thorp Stavri Exhibition. As with most art exhibitions these days, it was a mixed bag of types of “art” (by now you know I am something of an art sceptic) and it would be impossible to resume it in a few examples.

The Talking Tiger (2022-3)
Sabrina Shah

I photographed this one for no better (or worse) reason than that it contains a tiger.

Herald the Chimera
ttp_chimera

This curious piece (by a curiously named artist) is accompanied by an animation that you play on your mobile or iPad which shows it flying through the building.

Smaller items

There were also smaller items in a cabinet and I suppose these were part of the exhibition.

The staircase

The building itself is worth a visit on its own. Done out in dark timber and panelling, it is reminiscent of a medieval castle.

Stained glass windows

On the upper floor is a magnificent Great Hall with, at either end, fine stained glass windows with medieval-inspired figures. Any art exhibition has to work hard to equal these.

Staircase carvings

The balustrade of the main staircase is decorated with carved wooden figures following the medieval theme. These two were replaced for some reason but remain on display.

Two Temple Place

We left Two Temple Place but of course paused to take a photo before departing from the area.

Victoria Park Gardens

We strolled through Victoria Park Gardens which are across the street from the house.

Artists’ Garden

We took a look also at the nearby Artists’ Garden.

Handsome houses

We walked up Surrey Street in which are some fine houses although they are difficult to photograph because the road is narrow.

Which tube station?

In this street too we see the side entrance of a tube station. The door is shuttered and the station is permanently closed.

Strand Underground Station

You have to go round the corner into the Strand to find its name. Strand Station is closed to the public but you might have seen the interior without knowing in films because it is often used for scenes inside a tube station.

High Commission of India

We passed through this passage which has two names – Montreal Place and India Place. The latter is explained by this being the site of the High Commission of India.

Bus stop at Aldwych

Crossing the road brought us to the Aldwych bus stop where we waited for a 341 to take us home.

Aboard the 341

Like the bus stop, the 341 was crowded but we found seats at the back. The bus brought us home to the Angel where we have a relaxed evening in view.