Through the Looking Glass (V)

The fifth in the Through the Looking Glass series of photographs.

Here 

Minor Observations

I had to run a bureaucratic-oriented errand in Washington DC this week. Afterwards, I rewarded myself with lunch at Teaism (a favorite in Dupont Circle) and window-shopping in Georgetown. A few details caught my eye along the way. (Memo to self: purchase more Hipstamatic lenses for variety).

Restoration Hardware

Thistle wallpaper acting as a covering for an empty storefront (glam recession)

Detail - Moss and Co. - Georgetown

Eiffel print - Moss and Co.

All photographs by Philippa Berrington-Blew

Le Train Bleu

I truly credit Vicky Archer (of the divine French Essence) for making me aware of Le Train Bleu. She had written about it as one of her favorite places in Paris, and it was certainly one of the highlights of our trip. None of us spoke very much - silenced by the most luxuriously decadent hot chocolate and staggering Belle Epoque backdrop. Described as being overly 'exuberant' for some tastes (not mine!), one can't help but wonder at the gem tucked away in the Gare de Lyon - which was part of the initiative accompanying L'Exposition Universelle in 1900. The details are astounding and one is truly transported to another era. Coming back down to earth after the experience is nothing short of traumatic...

All photographs from here

Aftermath

While recognizing the unrelenting nature of a fire, there is something eerily beautiful about the layers of paint and plaster it leaves in its wake, exposing a structure's core and every vulnerability...

All photographs from Light Locations
(Top floor of Victorian house in London)

Through the Looking Glass (Number IV)

The fourth in the Through the Looking Glass series of photographs.

From here
(Souvenirs du Passé Récent's photostream)

Mount Stuart

Imagine being rather fabulous and sitting around in your kilt and Doc Martens, surrounded by family portraits painted by Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough. Sounds like a dream? Well not so for the Marquess (and Marchioness) of Bute. Just a normal day rattling around in the Neo-Gothic ancestral country estate — if your 'normal' includes being a Formula 1 racing driver (under the pseudonym Johnny Dumfries) and having a frieze in your bedroom depicting the life of St. Margaret, the 11th-century Scottish queen...

P.S. Chosen by Stella McCartney as a backdrop for her nuptials.

Well, hello!

What shall I do today?

3-story marble hall with 80-foot ceiling

Billiards, anyone?

The private library

Drawing room

The recently restored Blue Bedroom
(initiated by the Marchioness - model turned fashion designer)

Photographs by Alexia S. via here

No whales (or octopi) were harmed in the making of these plates

You simply must pop into one of my favorite haunts in Baltimore: In Watermelon Sugar for the latest melamine plates in the Thomas Paul Scrimshaw Collection. Wow. He really does have a clue to say the least... as does Lesley - owner and supremely skilled merchandiser.

In Watermelon Sugar
Cnr. Chestnut & The Avenue
Baltimore