Kensington Palace, emotional look at lady and craft (Kensington Palace)

Member Name: logberg

Product:	Kensington Palace
Date:	24/08/05 (97 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Indepth look at clothing history, some Princes Di clothes and Queen's hats

Disadvantages: None

I am surprised there are not reviews written about Kensington Palace.

Thought I'd just do a little piece on a royal residence worthy of a visit when you're at a loose end in London.

I went there on a grey day but will remember it forever as the first place in the UK that I was up close and personal with the squirrels.

I know they are seen at vermin in the UK but to this antipodies Kiwi they are still a bit of a novelty.

They were the first to greet me at Kensington Palace. A family shared their peanuts with me so I could get really friendly with the eager little fellows.


I digress, Kensington Palace is a royal residence for some of the minor royals but of course stars brightly in the Princess of Wales, Diana history.

It's been a royal residence for over 300 years, since William III and Mary II bought Nottingham house and asked Sir Christopher Wren to make his mark by turning it into a palace.

I went to the display on clothing including the exhibition of seamstress and clothing industries over the years. I think I remember there was a section looking like a olde drapers shop.

Then of course, let me share the Queen's hats with you; hundred and hundreds of them - displayed along with pictures of when she wore them.

Colour, form, art and craftsmanship is on show here and really you can't help but admire the changes in fashion which have been adorning the monarch's wise head over the years.

There is of course the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection including gowns worn by the Queen and those of the late Princess of Wales, Diana. This section also focuses on Court Dress since the 18th century.


For art lovers the Royal Collection of paintings will please; I remember noting in my journal the two Tintorettos, not that I'm and expert but they did take my eye at the time.

These are in the State Apartments, quite stunning and they've attracted visitors since being opened for Queen Victoria's 80th birthday in 1899.

She was born at Kensington Palace and lived her childhood life there and it seems the royal residence held a special place in her heart.

Getting to Kensington Palace is no trouble. I went on the tube, did a bit of a walk to the park which surrounds it,and then strolled over on one of the many paths.

I didn't go around the gardens but the pamphlet showed some interesting, historic aspects to the garden. Leaves me something else to see if I've got an afternoon free when in London.

Prices when I went were: adults GBP11, children GBP7.20, Senior and students GBP8.30, families GBP32 but I do believe if you book on the internet it is cheaper.

One thing I do remember and that was the feel of being a museum more than a palace - seemed a bit dull and dark but this did not detract from my visit.

I love the history of Britain, I particularly enjoyed the focus on clothes here, a good day out.

Summary: Focus on clothes, hats and art