The Mughals

Formerly known a the Moghuls to those of us of a certain age. I had meant to go to this exhibition for a while but only realised that this Bank Holiday Monday was the last day. Not the best day to attend an exhibition. It really was packed.

But there were lots of quality exhibits even though it took a bit of queuing or peering over shoulders to see them. If one was to try and take some bigger thoughts from the exhibition beyond how pretty things were, a couple come to my mind. One was to recognise this was not a native culture. The Moghuls (sorry Mughals) were invaders of India, just as much as the British that came after them. Empires and invasions have been present throughout history and have provided what are considered highlights of cultural splendour. This exhibition often lauded what good rulers the Mughal emperors were. 

Another cultural norm throughout history is the taking of a useful item, making an impossibly splendid version of that utility item and then ending up with a magnificent but now useless object as a consequence. Take for example the dagger we see below us, encrusted with rubies and diamonds and ultimately just not a weapon at all. Compare the top end of the fashion world where the most notable creations modelled down the catwalk are totally impractical to wear as clothes, even at a party.

People are rightly amazed at the quality of the artistry of these objects and compare to what craftsman could do today. in reality we could produce this stuff today too. But the cost would be prohibitive. The price of a top craftsman these days would be a whole different order of magnitude to the pay of the poor sods who were polishing and cutting these gemstones. 

Swimming and Holland Park

Clarissa had previously expressed an interest in seeing the swimming exhibition at the Design Museum, so we thought we might do that Bank Holiday afternoon. This meant a trip down to Earl's Court.

The exhibition on the theme of swimming and design was very disappointing. I am not sure exactly what I was expecting, probably what was there but a lot more of it. At £16 three rooms of largely swimming costumes felt very steep. I could have done with more on the design of swimming pools (there was some, like of the 2102 Olympic pool) and posters, and the history of swimming.

Of course swimming costume hits fashion and ceases to be anything at all other than costume on a catwalk.

A collection of speedos

Photos of women in the Twenties breaking the ice before going for a dip in Hampstead pools

Feeling a little fleeced, I went for a walk in Holland Park. Not the nicest of days for it but the rain just about held off.

The Japanese garden is one of the more underrated sights in London, although better appreciated on a sunnier day but before it fills up with people trying to take photographs of themselves.

This Grey Heron appeared to be looking longingly at the Koi Carp, who were just far too big for it and so utterly safe from its predations.

Of course the peacock displaying was the real showstopper.

But in addition to the Japanese Garden, there is also the Dutch garden. Possibly slightly passed its best some of the bulbs had gone over.