French Antique Furniture

Excerpt

The following is an excerpt from the book Evil Genius

by Catherine Jinks

Published by Harcourt Children’s Books; May 2007;$17.00US; 978-0-15-205988-1

Copyright © 2007 Catherine Jinks

One

Cadel Piggott was just seven years old when he first met Thaddeus Roth.

Dr. Roth worked in a row house near Sydney Harbor. The house was three stories high, its garden shrouded by a great many damp, dark trees. There was moss growing on its sandstone window ledges. Curtains drawn across all its windows gave it a secretive air. Its front fence was made of iron, with a spike on top of each post; beside the creaking gate was a brass sign bearing Dr. Rothâ??s name and qualifications.

â??Thatâ??s it,â? said Mrs. Piggott. â??Number twenty-nine.â?

â??Well, we canâ??t stop here,â? her husband replied. â??No parking.â?

â??I told you to park back there.â?

â??It doesnâ??t matter. Weâ??ll try down this street.â?

â??Stuart, thatâ??s a one-way street.â?

â??Dammit!â?

â??I knew weâ??d never find a space. Not around this area.â?

â??Just shut up for a minute, will you?â?

Mr. and Mrs. Piggott were not Cadelâ??s real parents. They had adopted him when he was not quite two years old. Mrs. Piggott was thin and blond, Mr. Piggott fat and gray. They almost never agreed about anything, but that didnâ??t matter because they almost never met. Their busy schedules kept them away from home, and one another, a good deal of the time.

At the suggestion of the police, however, they had both agreed to attend this interview.

â??Weâ??re going to be late,â? Mrs. Piggott warned her husband after they had circled the block four times in Mr. Piggottâ??s big, gleaming Mercedes-Benz. â??Just let us out, for godâ??s sake.â?

â??Iâ??ll park here.â?

â??Stuart, youâ??ll never fit in there!â?

â??Watch me.â?

Cadel said nothing. He sat on the backseat, dressed in his good brown cords and a lambâ??s-wool sweater, staring out the window at Dr. Rothâ??s house. He didnâ??t like the look of it. He thought it had a murky, ominous appearance.

â??I donâ??t want to go,â? he said flatly when Mrs. Piggott got out and opened the door beside him.

â??I know, honey, but we have to.â?

â??No we donâ??t,â? Cadel retorted.

â??Yes we do.â?

â??There were no formal charges,â? Cadel pointed out, in his high, clear voice. â??It was just a suggestion.â?

â??Thatâ??s right,â? said Mr. Piggott, yanking Cadel out of the back of the car. â??And when the police make a suggestion, you always follow it. Rule number one.â?

â??Be careful, Stuart, youâ??ll wreck his clothes.â?

Cadel was so small — even for a seven-year-old — that he didnâ??t stand a chance against Mr. Piggott. Though he dragged his feet and hung off his adoptive parentsâ?? hands like a sack of melons, he was forced across the street and through the front gate of number twenty-nine. The path beyond the gate was mushy with wet leaves. There was a rich smell of decay. The door knocker was a ring in the mouth of a snarling lionâ??s head, painted black, like the rest of the ironwork.

Cadel noted with interest the switchboard near the door. It was obviously ancient, full of porcelain fuses and dial meters. The Piggottsâ?? own house was only three years old, with a state-of-the-art electrical system, so Cadel was fascinated by this dusty old relic.

But he was not permitted to gaze at it for long.

â??Come on,â? Mr. Piggott barked. â??The doorâ??s open.â? And he pushed against it, causing it to swing back and reveal a long, dark hallway carpeted with dingy Persian rugs. About halfway down this hallway, a staircase the color of walnut swept up to the next floor. There were several doors to the right of the front entrance, but only the closest stood ajar.

â??Hello!â? said Mr. Piggott, marching straight through it. He wasnâ??t a man who normally waited for anything. â??Weâ??ve an appointment with Dr. Roth. For ten thirty.â?

Gripped firmly around the wrist, Cadel had no choice but to follow Mr. Piggott. He found himself in a reception area: two rooms divided by a pair of folding mahogany doors. There were two marble fireplaces and two chandeliers. Cadel noticed cobwebs on the chandeliers.

A woman sat behind an antique desk.

â??Good morning,â? she said calmly. â??What name, please?â?

â??Piggott,â? Mr. Piggott replied, in pompous tones. â??Stuart, Lanna, and Cadel.â? He looked surprised when the woman rose, revealing herself to be almost as wide and as tall as he was. She had a broad, square face and small blue eyes. She was wearing a suit the color of dried blood.

â??Iâ??ll just go and tell Dr. Roth that youâ??ve arrived,â? she declared, before lumbering out of the room. Cadel didnâ??t watch her go. He was more interested in the computer that sheâ??d left behind, with its alluring glow and contented hum. The screen saver was one that heâ??d never seen before: a pattern of falling dominoes.

â??Donâ??t even think about it,â? Stuart rasped when he realized what was attracting Cadelâ??s attention. â??Sit down. Over there.â?

â??Look, honey, there are toys for you to play with,â? Lanna said, nudging a large basket with the toe of her expensive Italian shoe. Sulkily, Cadel eyed the basketâ??s contents. He was used to the broken activity centers and torn books offered for the amusement of younger patients at his local doctorâ??s office and wasnâ??t hopeful about the distractions provided here.

But to his astonishment, he quickly spied an old voltmeter, together with a book on flies, a plastic human skull (life-sized), a Rubikâ??s Cube, and a Frankenstein mask. Further investigation uncovered a dead spider embedded in a resin paperweight, a sharkâ??s tooth, a Galaxy Warrior complete with Thermopuncher torpedoes, and a very curious fragment of puzzle bearing the picture of a staring, bloodshot eye over a set of claw marks.

He was puzzling over this macabre image when the sound of heavy footsteps reached his ears. It seemed that Dr. Rothâ??s receptionist was returning, clumping down the stairs like someone wearing ski boots. Lanna, who had flung herself onto an armchair, immediately jumped to her feet.

Stuart glared at the door.

â??Dr. Roth will see you now,â? the receptionist announced when she finally appeared. â??You can go straight up.â?

Stuart and Lanna exchanged glances.

â??Are you sure?â? Lanna objected. â??I mean, does he want to discuss things in front of Cadel?â?

â??Oh yes,â? the receptionist declared firmly. Something about her voice made Cadel look up. He studied her with care, from the top of her permed head to the soles of her brown shoes. She smiled in response, and the Piggotts all recoiled.

Her mouth looked as if it belonged to an older, harsher century.

â??Why are your teeth black?â? Cadel wanted to know.

â??Why are your teeth white?â? the receptionist responded, wending her way back to her desk. Lanna snatched at Cadelâ??s hand and hustled him out of the room. She and her husband whispered together as they climbed the stairs, which creaked and groaned beneath them.

â??Stuart, what was the matter with . . .?â?

â??I donâ??t know.â?

â??Do you think this is a good idea?â?

â??Course it is.â?

â??But what about that woman? Her teeth?â?

Stuart shrugged. They had reached a landing, but it wasnâ??t the right one. From above their heads, a voice said, â??Up here.â?

A man was draped over the second-floor banisters. He was tall and thin and wore a tweed jacket. His thick, dark hair was going gray.

â??Thatâ??s the bathroom,â? he remarked in a soothing voice with a cultured English accent. â??Iâ??m afraid my office is at the top, here.â?

â??Dr. Roth?â? said Stuart.

â??Yes, indeed.â?

â??Weâ??re a bit late,â? Lanna offered a trifle breathlessly. â??No parking.â?

â??You should turn that front yard of yours into a parking lot,â? Stuart added, climbing the last flight of stairs. Gracefully, Dr. Roth moved to push open the door of his office.

â??I would,â? he said, â??if the local council would let me. Heritage listing, Iâ??m afraid.â?

Stuart grunted. Lanna smiled a meaningless social smile. They both passed into Dr. Rothâ??s office ahead of Cadel, who stopped on the threshold. He gazed up at Thaddeus.

â??Why does she have black teeth?â? Cadel inquired.

â??Wilfreda? Iâ??m not sure,â? Thaddeus replied. â??Poor dental hygiene, I should think. Her parents had very strange ideas about diet and doctors. Maybe they didnâ??t believe in toothbrushes, either.â? He cocked his head. â??So youâ??re Cadel.â?

â??Yes.â?

â??Come in, Cadel.â?

Dr. Rothâ??s office surprised Cadel, because it was full of modern furniture and computer equipment. There were a number of glossy cabinets, some full of filing drawers, some with cables running out of them. Cadelâ??s eyes gleamed when he spotted those cables.

â??Sit down, please.â? Dr. Roth gestured at a cluster of couches placed between his desk and a pair of French doors. Lanna chose the crimson couch, settling down onto it very carefully, her bare knees drawn together. Stuart dropped into his seat like a stone.

Copyright © 2007 Catherine Jinks

If you are wondering what you can do in Cardiff on a rainy day, there are plenty of indoor activities. You could go to an art museum, the best choice being the National Gallery of Cardiff.

Cardiff is the city capital of Wales and it is a charming city with fascinating landscapes and a great personality. Cardiff, which is Caerdydd in Welsh, is Europe’s youngest capital and an inspiring place to visit. If you are wondering what you can do in Cardiff on a rainy day, there are plenty of indoor activities. You could go to an art museum, the best choice being the National Gallery of Cardiff. The National Gallery, or in Welsh Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd, is definitely a place where you can see genuine paintings and works of art in a beautiful setting. The National Gallery in Cardiff’s collection is impressive and you can find great names from the history of art on display.

The National Gallery is a component of the Amgueddfa Cymru, which is the National Museum of Wales.

One very special feature of this museum is that it hosts the national collection of fine and applied art, so it a great place to go and learn about the history of applied art in Wales. The collection contains pieces from as early as 16th century. The museum has international collections from Europe and Britain as well as art from other cultures from all around the globe.

The National Gallery in Cardiff was opened for the public in 1907. However, it reunites the collection from the past Cardiff Museum of Natural History, Arts and Antiques, which originated in 1882. Before its current location, which was established in 1920, the National Gallery was placed in the Cardiff Law Courts, occupying 11 police cells and a corridor. The National Museum in Cardiff contains 15 art galleries that comprise many pieces of art, which are the witnesses of the last 500 years of history in Wales and the whole of Europe as well.

The collection of art is huge and new pieces are acquired on a regular basis. This is made possible by the Derek Williams Trust. There are permanent exhibits as well as temporary ones that attract millions of visitors each year. The temporary exhibitions are partly from the collection of the National Museum of Wales and partly host touring exhibitions.

The National Gallery in Cardiff also contains the Prints and Drawings Study Room, where those interested can see over 28,000 selected works on paper. Within the institution, there are also three conservation studios that take care of the damaged pieces and re-condition them or prevent them from decay. The National Gallery in Cardiff has a framing workshop as well. Here, the frames for the paintings are made ready for display, so that they look impeccable for visitors.

The Welsh landscape has been a genuine source of inspiration for many artists, and Wales has been the home for many talented artists and art collectors. Some of the greatest collections are presently in the possession of the National Museum in Cardiff. One of the notable collectors whose collection is at the Museum is Sir Williams Wynn, who used to order paintings, pieces of furniture and silver items from the top artists from the 18th century. Sir Williams Wynn used to be known as the Welsh Medici due to his generous contributions in the artistic scene. Therefore, an impressive portrait of Sir Williams in Rome is featured in the permanent collection.

The most numerous collection present in the National Museum in Cardiff belonged to the sisters Gwendoline and Margaret Davies. They have gathered notable sculptures and paintings of French artists such as August Rodin, Honore Daumier, Jean Francois Millet, Claude Monet with his Waterlillies, Pierre Auguste Renoir with his The Parisienne and Cézanne. The sisters’ collection also includes a Van Gogh, namely the Rain at Auvers, which was finalized in Van Gogh’s last year of life.

Other collectors who have contributed to the present compilation of art at the Museum were Wilfred Seymour De Winton with his precious porcelain pieces from Europe as well as Ernest Morton Nance, who was a ceramics fan.

The present collection of the National Gallery in Cardiff contains pre-18th century paintings and it records the cultural development of art up till the present time.

The pre-18th century collection includes works by Poussin and Jan van de Chappelle. The Renaissance is represented in this collection by Palma the Elder, Amico Aspertini and Sandro Botticelli.

There are also famous portraits of Oliver Cromwell and Katherine of Berain.

The famous Paul Rubens has four huge cartoons in this Gallery.

Other illustrious Welsh artists include Richard Wilson, with his lovely landscapes, and Thomas Jones. John Gibson also has a place in the gallery, as well as Augustus John and Gwen John. David Jones is sometimes put out on display, however extra care must be taken with his work, as it was done on paper. Today’s Welsh painting scene is represented by Sir Kyffin Williams.

The 20th century art at the National Gallery in Cardiff comprises sculptures by Jacob Epstein and Eric Gill as well as paintings by Stanley Spencer, L. S. Lowry and the expressionist Oskar Kokoschka.

The contemporary art is also on permanent display. You can admire Sigmund Freud’s grandson Lucian Freud’s work, together with the unique style of Francis Bacon. There are paintings of Frank Auerbach, as well as installations by Rachel Whiteread. These artists are presented on rotational display, due to the fact that the collection is much too large.

The National Gallery in Cardiff wants to display and collect the works of Welsh artists, past as well as present. The National Gallery in Cardiff intends to give a full account on the cultural background of Wales and to situate it in European cultural scenery.

The National Gallery in Cardiff is proud to have their present collection and will welcome you with various pieces of art that will amaze and enchant. The Gallery will make sure you will enjoy and understand all the art displayed. You can book a guided tour or equally experience art on your own.

Article by Susan Ashby of Cardiff Singles. To read more articles like this or for dating in Cardiff visit http://www.cardiff-singles.co.uk

With the money you’re going to spend on that California getaway, the one thing you want to be sure of is that this trip will be memorable and out of the ordinary.

One way to add that extra touch is to choose a historic lodging a destination that conjures up another era and takes you to another place and time. Weve discovered several such accommodations on our travels throughout the Golden State, and here are some of our favorites:

Queen Mary

With all the advertising you see nowadays for cruises to Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska and you-name-it, its pretty easy to get the urge to get on a big ship and just go. But if youre strapped for time or cash there is an alternative where you can get on a big ship and just stay.

The Queen Mary has been docked in Long Beach Harbor for many years and will not be taking you to exotic lands. But it really doesnt need to there is plenty to see and do right in Long Beach.

Pulling up to this giant ship ready to board with your suitcase-in-hand is reminiscent of that scene in Titanic where excited passengers are scurrying on board while the well-heeled are having their trunks portaged and their automobiles lifted onboard. While the Queen Mary is small by todays cruise ship standards, it looks mighty big from the parking lot.

Up the elevator and along the gangplank you go, just like youre boarding the Love Boat headed to the Mexican Riviera. But once on board, the first thing you notice is that the Queen Mary is historical its like entering the lobby of a fine old hotel with its antique furnishings, although many aspects of the ship and its quarters have been updated to the 1960s, the ships later years.

Long Beach really has quite the festive waterfront with many restaurants and tourist attractions, along with top hotels. Its well worth carving out a morning or afternoon to go see the Aquarium of the Pacific, just across the harbor from the Queen Mary.

For more information, go to www.queenmary.com or phone (562) 435-3511.

Historic Mission Inn

If youre like many California people, the most you know about Riverside is that its a seeming metropolis that passes underneath the I-215 freeway in that vast extension of back-to-back cities that stretch eastward from Los Angeles. But get on down off the freeway and youll find one of the most unique getaway experiences in the state an experience that transports you to Early California through architecture and through the efforts of city fathers to preserve Riversides past.

Just inside the ivy-covered adobe archway of the Historic Mission Inn, we walked through a courtyard of lush landscaping before getting our first glimpse of the majestic lobby area. Spectacular chandeliers and giant wood beams complemented the elegant flower-patterned carpet to create a sense that this building was at once luxurious and historic. The lobbys grand piano is the only piano made by Steinway for the1876 Centennial. But this was only the beginning the Historic Mission Inn is like a fun house for those who marvel at historic and creative architecture. Around every corner there is something unique or fascinating.

The Historic Mission Inn at first gives the feeling it might have been a real mission or monastery, what with its 239 guest rooms, including 28 suites. But upon closer reading of its history, this palace-like inn was actually built by Riverside town father Frank Miller, who had taken the original Glenwood Tavern, built in 1874, and converted it to an inn that opened in 1903. Today, the inn is situated on an entire city block and has a total of 320,000 square feet. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a State of California Historic Landmark

For more information, go to www.missioninn.com or call 800-843-7755.

Carlton Inn

Imagine a trip to the vineyards of Tuscany where you will drive through a sun-drenched region with vine-clad hillsides, stopping off to visit wineries where fascinating local craftsmen toil at their labor of love.

Now imagine driving just a few hours from Los Angeles or San Francisco and finding much of the same experience. The Paso Robles Wine Country is fast becoming just such an alternative for sophisticated travelers who are often surprised to find such an exquisite getaway so close to home.

And, happily, we discovered the perfect complement to touring the local wineries an extraordinary hotel called the Carlton that has just been completely refurbished and re-opened for business in March 2005. This hotel is located in the heart of the wine country, taking up the better part of a city block in quaint downtown Atascadero.

The Carlton Hotel is a boutique hotel, capitalizing on the growing popularity of boutique lodgings both in major cities and with the Carlton as a case in point sometimes out in the hinterlands.

It was back in 1929 that the Carlton firsts opened its doors. It attracted such famous people as Jack Benny, Bette Davis and Fred McMurray. With its recent renovation, the hotel now has such features as marble bathrooms, deep whirlpool baths, oversized bath towels, high thread-count cotton sheets well you get the picture.

Our guestroom seemed regal with its period furnishings, luxurious draperies and many special touches that separate the nice hotels from the truly luxurious lodgings.

For more information, visit www.the-carlton.com or phone 805-461-5100.

Glorietta Bay Inn

If there is one place where Southern California charm, history, style, beaches and sun all converge, it has to be on the 7.4 square miles of ground youll find at the west end of the sweeping, skyscraper-high Coronado Bridge.

No question, the grand dame of Coronado is the Hotel del Coronado but, surprisingly, the Hotel del as locals call it, is not the only game in town. Whether because of price or a desire not to be staying smack in the middle of all the activity, many visitors opt for one of several other lodging options on the island. While the price wasnt necessarily lower, our stay at the Glorietta Bay Inn was quite a different experience from the Hotel del, even though the grand dame is located right across the street.

Staying at the Glorietta Bay Inn was an opportunity to experience a historic San Diego mansion the one John Dietrich Spreckles construted. He was a well-known figure in the city and he played a major role in developing San Diego during the late 1800’s and after the turn of the century. He bought the utility company, street car system, water company and eventually he controlled even the Hotel del Coronado.

The mansion itself is an impressive piece of architecture Italian Renaissance style, all white, multi-story with dramatic lines. Inside, the wide marble staircase was our pathway to Room 126 the Albright Room, a spacious second-floor with an open, airy feel and views to the yacht harbor, the Coronado Bridge and, in the distance, the mountains east of San Diego. Decorated in a French Country motif, the room featured flowers, tasteful paintings and floral bed quilts with matching drapes. Almost the size of a suite, this room was furnished with classic furniture reproductions befitting the era in which the house was built.

For more information, go to www.glorietabayinn.com or call 800-283-9383.

Fayetteville, North Carolina is a charming city located in the Southern center of the state. Fayetteville’s nickname is “The All-American City” an this is evident upon one look at downtown Fayetteville. Although the downtown area of the city has a quaint, small town feel to it, Fayetteville is one of the largest cities in North Carolina. The city is named for a French Revolutionary war hero, LaFayette, and many of the homes in the downtown area were built during that era.
Fayetteville is rich with history from both the Revolutionary War as well as the Civil War. During the Civil War, General Sherman moved his troops into Fayetteville. The Battle of Monroe’s Crossroads, considered the last cavalry battle of the Civil War, took place not far from Fayetteville and today is an historical site.
Today Fayetteville maintains ties with the armed services as it is the home of Fort Bragg Army Post as well as the Pope Air Force Base.
There are many things to see and do when visiting Fayetteville, North Carolina. Hay Street in Downtown Fayetteville is rife with history. The cobblestone sidewalks reach to the Revolutionary War era buildings that line the street. There is some wonderful antique shopping in Downtown Fayetteville that draws many visitors to this picturesque city each year.
Architecture throughout Fayetteville varies from the Revolutionary era buildings in the downtown area of the city to the pre Civil War homes that are located throughout the city. Anyone who enjoys historic architecture will find plenty to see in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
There are many points of interest in Fayetteville. In addition to visiting Fort Bragg, many visitors embark on a hiking adventure on the Cape Fear River Trail. Fayetteville is located on the banks of the Cape Fear river, which was made famous in original and remake of the film, “Cape Fear.” The Cape Fear River trail takes you through the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens that is open to the pubic. Here you can see wander beautiful nature trails that are filled with unusual plants through pine forest to the river banks. A narrow bridge stretches over the river that you can walk across and get some fabulous photos. A visit to the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens should be first on your list when visiting this charming city.
History buffs will love Fayetteville, North Carolina as it is has many different museums and homes that are opened to the public. At the Museum of the Cape Fear you can see the natural history of the area through exhibits that feature artifacts relating to the Native American population, plantation and slavery, The Civil War and other natural history.
The 1897 Poe House is a Victorian residence that is open to the public and takes the visitor back in time to a bygone age. The Poe House has maintained the same furniture and other items that were used by the family during this period.
Arsenal Park is a four acre site that once produced the Fayetteville rifle that was used in the Civil War. Union forces destroyed this arsenal in 1865 towards the very end of the war. The North Carolina Museum of History contains thousands of artifacts and timeline pieces that tell the story of the history of North Carolina and has special children’s sections.
There are hundreds of accommodations choices for visitors staying in Fayetteville, North Carolina. They range from luxury hotels to modest Bed and Breakfast establishments. No matter what your budget or needs, Fayetteville has the perfect accommodations to suit you during your trip to this beautiful city.
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, you can find some of the best restaurants in the Carolinas. No matter what type of cuisine you prefer, Fayetteville has what you’re looking for. Because the city is relatively close to the Atlantic Ocean, you can expect to get delicious fresh seafood in most of the restaurants. The 316 Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill is located in the heart of the city and has delicious oysters and seafood served fresh daily.
Fayetteville, North Carolina is a charming place to visit. It has terrific food, wonderful accommodations, scenic parks and abundant history. One trip to this beautiful, North Carolina city and you will want to call Fayetteville “home.”

Oscar de la Renta as a fashion designer who is son of a Puerto Rican father and a Dominican mother. His original surname is commonly rumored to have been Renta, though there does not appear to be any evidence to support this. At the age of 18, he moved to Madrid, Spain, where he studied painting at the Academy Of San Fernando. He began to show an interest in fashion, however, and soon found work as a sketcher with some of Spain’s top fashion houses. A little later, he took a designing class with one of Europe’s top couturiers, Cristobal Balenciaga. He later moved to Paris, where he joined Antonio Castillo as a couture assistant.

This experience and the contacts would later give him the foundation needed to launch his own clothing lines and perfumes. In 1965, he left Elizabeth Arden and went to work for Jane Derby Ltd., an American fashion company in business since the 1930s. The labels of the clothes read “Oscar de la Renta for Jane Derby.” After Derby’s death in 1969, de la Renta took over the company and renamed it Oscar de la Renta. Apart from the signature Oscar De La Renta products, he has launched the Pink Label products and has ventured into the world of women’s accessories, men’s clothing, sportswear and perfumes. He also produces, with an American manufacturer Century Furniture, a collection of home furnishings based on antiques and other items that furnish his houses in Connecticut, New York City, and the Dominican Republic.

Born in Bordeaux and raised between Paris and the island of Martinique, she worked for the fashion house of Elsa Schiaparelli and the fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar before joining French Vogue. After her marriage to de la Renta, she worked as a consultant to Elizabeth Arden, had their Manhattan apartment decorated by Denning & Fourcade and later opened her own decorating business; her clients included fashion executive Marina Schiano and actors Helmut Berger and Florinda Bolkan.

De la Renta has stepchildren from both marriages; he also has an adopted son, Moises de la Renta. According to Puerto Rican newspaper, El Vocero, former United States President Bill Clinton stayed in De La Renta’s Punta Cana home during January of 2006, holding a meeting with Dominican Republic Leonel Fernandez in De La Renta’s house at the beach resort. His all Designs of dinnersets are available here. Please purchase on online www.etabletop.com

This historically rich piece of French architecture today serves as a museum that offers a massive collection of art pieces, statues and other works. The Louvre is one of the world’s greatest museums as well as one of the largest palaces in the world and should not be missed if in Paris.

The Louvre has a rich history and was once a fortress, a royal palace as well as a prison before its modern day incarnation and its design structure exemplifies the building type of the renaissance. The Louvre that stands today is the result of 800 years of successive building over various projects.

The entrance to this grand museum lies in the form of an enormous glass pyramid structure which leads guests to an underground lobby and then allows them to re-ascend in to the main Louvre building. This entrance that consists of 603 rhombus-shaped and 70 triangular glass segments is a wonder to behold in itself.

The museum holds more than 380,000 objects and displays 35,000 works of art. The Louvre also holds a grand total of 11,900 paintings though not all are displayed at once. Visitors can peruse these exhibits and soak in the wide variety of historically and culturally diverse art that adorns the museum’s walls and display cases.

The Louvre features a variety of categories such as decorative art that houses a collection of items such as jewellery, ceramics, furniture and tapestries amongst others. The Egyptian antiques section contains a large collection of artwork from the many civilizations that had their homes along the river Nile. The Greek, Etruscan and Roman collection features pieces that originated from the Mediterranean basin while The Islamic Art collection houses works that span ‘thirteen centuries and three continents’.

The Louvre offers a range of cultural and educational activities including guided tours that will allow visitors to discover the rich history that lies beneath each of the works of art that are on display. Being able to travel to the Louvre is made easy by staying in one of the luxury hotels in Paris.

San Telmo 8.5 Review
I was at first interested in renting an apartment in Palermo or Recoleta. But then I was told by someone I had just met in Berlin that when I visit Buenos Aires the place to stay is really this 8.5 apartment in San Telmo. I had previously stayed in Palermo and I did tend to agree with him that I thought that Palermo is becoming too trendy and with all the new high rises it doesn’t have that old world charm of some of the other sections of the city. So I was able to get a reservation at 8.5 in San Telmo and was very happy with my choice.
Apartment 8.5 (or Ocho Punto Cinco as it’s often referred to) is situated closely to the world-famous art district and Dorrego Square.
I found the 800 square foot apartment to be the perfect size for me. In the past the littel 40 or 50 square meter apartment of Palermo I found to be just too small. But here the large open rooms and queen master bed (as well as the smaller bed upstarirs) I found to be perfect.
The 8.5 apartment is in the beautiful French style. It has high ceilings, beautiful hardwood floors and customized stained glass. The apartment is large and airy and allow for lots of sunshine in the living room study and bedroom areas. It’s important not to forget the gorgeous spiral staircase that leads to a storage area and also a bedroom on the upper floor. The furniture is customized and you also find amongst the modern appliances.
The overall design theme and feel of the apartment is modern classical however, it still embodies old world charm that you may find throughout Buenos Aires. The 8.5 apartment has many amenities. They include a queen-size bed that has four posts, top-of-the-line bed linens and blankets, an armoire a workspace area that includes a desk where one can work or study. There are also wooden doors, beautiful hardwood floors and the master bedroom is air-conditioned. There is also a quaint kitchen nook where one can eat breakfast. I also found the antique bath tub very relaxing and a nice break from the city.
Individuals or families will also find modern appliances such as a washing machine, refrigerator, microwave, a coffeemaker and everything that you will need to make a delicious meals. There is also cleaning service once a week, so you don’t have to be worried about handling that chore yourself. Apartment 8.5 is located off of the main street, so you don’t have to worry about a lot of traffic or constantly being disturbed by noise. There are also security doors within the apartment allowing you to feel safe while in the city. I also appreciated that the doors would completely block out the noise and light so in case I wanted to take an afternoon nap, that would be easy to do.
In review, San Telmo 8.5 is perfect for individuals who plan to visit Buenos Aires and don’t want to stay in a hotel.

Now in their 6th successful year, the important awards are a mark for excellence renowned across the hotel industry and include 14 industry-judged entries awards together with four peopleâ??s choice awards.

Binghamâ??s Executive Chef, Shay Cooper, serves recurrently changing, seasonal British menus for lunch and dinner. First-class quality ingredients are the basics of Shayâ??s cooking and his dishes lean towards the delicate, cleverly built around one key, seasonal ingredient. Shay Cooper is passionate about obtaining locally where possible and has made connections with local businesses, including Teddington Cheese, and Sandyâ??s fishmonger.  The dining room is a warm area with golden velvet banquettes, feature mirrors and droplet chandeliers â?? while the dominant feature are the floor to ceiling French windows overlooking the hotelâ??s landscaped gardens, and the Thames. Boutique hotel Bingham was highly praised for its use of local suppliers and sustainable procedures including a â??sustainable fishâ?? tasting menu.

Best Small Hotel/B&B

Boutique hotel Bingham offers 15 rooms, spread across two Georgian town houses, which are modern to suit modern tastes but have a vintage twist according to the historical character of the buildings.  The room names, which include Baudelaire and Calirrhoe, echo the rich literary tradition of the building.  All rooms feature Art Deco inspired furniture and two have lavish antique four-poster beds. The top tier rooms (River and Superior River Design Rooms) offer peaceful river views and whirlpool baths. Bathroom products are supplied by Natural Products, ‘We Live Like This Too’, which forms a small part of Binghamâ??s â??greenâ?? philosophy.

â??We are absolutely delighted to have won in two categories at the BT Visit London Awards last night,â? says Binghamâ??s owner, Samantha Trinder.  â??We strive to offer every guest a fantastic experience, whether theyâ??re coming to eat, stay or have an event with us.  We are especially grateful to our wonderful team who work extremely hard to achieve this, and of course to all our guests, and to those who voted for us.â?

Epoque Hotels congratulates boutique hotel Bingham for this great achievement.

The Bingham is located at 61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond Upon Thames, TW10.

           Replacing older and worn doorknob sets in your home is a great way to update your home without major renovations. Many older homes feature steel or various other metal doorknobs that become scratched and dented over time and can make a door appear shabby. Crystal lever doorknobs are an elegant way to replace these older models with a classic pattern and a beautiful handle that will stand out in any room.

            Crystal lever door knob sets are constructed with solid brass bases to ensure strength and durability over time. Available finishes include Polished Brass, Polished Chrome, Antique Brass, Satin Nickel and Oil Rubbed Bronze. A lever doorknob requires less force and turning to open the door so these are a great option for any home with small children or anyone who might have difficulties with traditional doorknob sets. Lever doorknobs are also a popular choice for interior and exterior French doors.             

          

          Redecorating with glass hardware is a timeless and welcome addition to any home. Glass is a versatile material that can be introduced in many places including cabinets, drawers, doors and window hardware. If you are looking for a new and beautiful theme that can be used in any room, consider glass doorknob sets and cabinet hardware as an alternative to extensive redecorating or remodeling projects. The smallest details sometimes have the biggest impact in a room and glass hardware will transform any door or furniture into a showpiece.   

             Crystal lever glass doorknob sets are produced today and available online. Search for solid brass and crystal construction and be sure to ask questions such as 1) is this set available for interior and exterior doors and 2) is this item in stock and ready to ship? Doorknobs are one of the most frequently used items in your home and an important focal point on any door so pay attention to detail. LookInTheAttic & Company offers a wide variety of beautiful doorknob sets in a variety of finishes and they offer free design assistance and help as well.

Welcome to my page on all about Stratford Upon Avon a town which is steeped in historical, as well as cultural traditions. Been the Birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford upon Avon has always been a tourist haven for people from all over the world fascinated to find out more about the famous Bard, from where he lived to where he was buried.But the town has both historical and modern touches, from Theatres to shopping centres, to Ghost tours, and haunted houses, as well as offering relaxing boating tours along the River Avon, to walking tours into the beautiful countryside which surrounds Stratford. The history of the town dates back to as far as the 7th century, the town been founded by the Saxons, with the word Straet Ford which means by the roman road, and Avon is a Celtic word which means river or water.

 By the 12th century the village had been transformed into a town, and from then on it soon became a bustling town with various trades present. So that’s a short history of the town, but as I said earlier the town has many other assets, as the Royal Shakespeare Company, the world famous theatre known for its Shakespeare’s plays and productions. Its main aims is to keep audiences up to date with Shakespeare, but it also hosts work from other dramatists-and artists from all over the world.

 If you are a Theatre goer then you won’t be dissapointed, as the Royal Shakespeare Company employs some 500 people, and uses the latest technology like “CAD” designs for it set designs, and no detail is left to chance right down to the wigs the performers wear. But if you would rather do something else then Stratford has a array of attractions like the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which houses Europe’s largest butterfly farm, or visit Bancroft Gardens, and while there take a relaxing cruise down the River Avon. Or take what is known as a riverside walk, which is a great way of exploring the town, the distance been about 1 to 2 miles along metalled footpaths.Then a visit would not be complete without visiting the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and the Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was baptised and was buried, plus you can also visit Anne Hathaways cottage at Shottery.

If its the Dark history of the town you are after there are the museums you can visit, like the Creaky Cauldron, which as history goes is said to be England’s most haunted museum.If you would rather be out and about then the Stratford Town Walk can offer ghost tours and cruises(go at your own risk!),and the Falstaff Experience can take you to “Shrieve`s building and museum said to be the most haunted building in the UK.Buts that’s enough about some of the interesting events and places, what about the all important eating out and shopping experience, in Stratford, once again you have a mixture as you would expect from the antique shops selling you Art and souvenirs, to modern complexes like the Maybird Centre which has a number of famous brands under its roof. And you should not forget the famous outdoor markets, like the Stratford Farmers Market, held at Rother Street, where you can purchase local produce like chutneys and cheeses.

 As for restaurants think you will find that the town has a good selection to suit all tastes and budgets, from Indian to Chinese to Thai, and of course the Italian and French to traditional English restaurants’ as you would expect, with most been located in and around Ely Street, which is only about 4 minutes walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.There is also something for the Art and Music lover in Stratford, various Art galleries are dotted around the town, but the two main ones are located at Henley Street, and Chapel Street, and have on view large selections of watercolours, and etchings, plus sculptures and fine art on view. But if its entertainment you want then you need to visit Cox’s Yard located at Bridgefoot,this is the hub of live music and events in Stratford.

 They have a vast array of different music and bands on offer, and there order books are always full, ranging from heavy metal to jazz and blues music to salsa, and sometimes even gospel choirs have been on the playlist.Stratford upon Avon would not be a major tourist town if it did not cater for the many thousands of visitors it has all year round, therefore you can find what you need to know by visiting the Stratford Tourist Information Centre located at Bridge foot, which can be easily accessed from the major motorway networks. Then catering for the tourists themselves you have several caravan and camping sites around the town, all within easy reach of the town centre. Plus bed and breakfast accommodation is in abundance, all located in and around Grove Road which once again is only about ten minutes walk from the RSC and other famous attractions.

If you don’t want the hassle of a B&B,then you may want to consider going self catering, Stratford has some beautiful and well equipped cottages which are available in season as well as out, some of which are set in beautiful landscaped gardens, the Windmill Grange been one example, a luxury self catering cottage with all the mod cons as you would expect.Also ever wondered which city Stratford upon Avon is twinned with,well it is Stratford Ontario in Canada.The city is located in Perth County Southern western Ontario Canada and has a population of approximately 31,000, and it was Thomas Mercer Jones who was a agent of the Canada Company who in 1832 founded and named the village Stratford,as well as renaming the river that ran through the village as the river Avon.

Then as time progressed the village became a town in 1859,and finally got recognition as a city in 1886.Formerly the town was just a railway junction,but then industries like furniture manufacturing took hold and by the 20th century had become part of the local economy.But it was the Shakespearean Stratford Festival that began in 1953 that really boosted the local economy,and the annual festival now attracts visitors from all over the world.There are also sporting activities in Stratford upon Avon,you can take up,for example biking,and hiking are popular with the Stratford ramblers association always looking for members.Or you can join up to the Stratford bike hire club.All in all i think you will find that Stratford upon Avon is a fascinating and enjoyable town to visit with lots to offer.For more on Stratford upon Avon visit:Activ Stratford