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.