just a little something i wrote (about the grace kelly exhibition)

[extract]

£6

Entry to “Grace Kelly: Style Icon”.

Deepcut to Richmond dans la voiture.  £5.72 petrol, approximately. Another £8 for parking - Surprisingly affordable. Oyster card - Loaded. District Line - 11 stops. Simple. Bienvenue à South Kensington… The home of the “Red Carpet Treatment” and an area of London not often referred to as ”without decoration”. In actual fact thoroughly deluxe with prestigious SW7 gloating on every road sign. Heaven.

Once you’re at South Ken and you have left the intestine inspired sanctuary that is the London Underground, the choice is entirely yours as to how you get to the Victoria and Albert Museum. One way is to enjoy the regal splendour over ground, and the other somewhat quicker and weirdly; equally delightful way is to walk down a route that has certain similarities to a human trachea. So to avoid delay and to increasingly seduce your five senses I suggest walking along the white-bricked windpipe to the mouth of all artistic greatness – The V&A.

Combined it would seem Victoria and Albert have one of the biggest mouths of all time. Guards stand at the lips checking your luggage for toxins not suitable for further entry. If votre sac à main tastes right you quickly jump onto the tongue of the Exhibition Road entrance to the first of numerous oral cavities devoted to sculptures and figurines. According to Western etiquette, the mouth is kept closed, especially when chewing and in polite company. But here in the mouth of the former Queen of the United Kingdom, the overwhelming and breathtaking atmosphere permits anyone to leave his or her jaw dropped for as long as is desired.

Sculptures, statues, models, carvings, what ever you will call them, have never been my personal favourite. Although with the right mindset it is possible to enjoy them and not leave yourself looking uncouth as you walk straight past. After all, you are in the presence of Her Majesty.  So of course as you are in such esteemed company, its only right to get the full experience… Who likes to visit the Queen without also visiting the crown jewels? – It’s probably a longer route to arrive at destination “Grace Kelly”, but honestly I don’t care, as the next step once through the gallery containing the likes of Rodin and his fellow competitors; is the shop, also known as the heart of the V&A. A real precious stone.

Walk through this arts and crafts come fine jewellery come clothing-photography-glorious paradise, make it brief (save yourself for after!) and turn right again to the entrance to of course - Grace Kelly: Style Icon. Not only is this exhibition a celebration of one of the greatest actresses of all time, but it’s an incredible collection of some of the finest designer clothing ever made. Literally, a hall of fame: Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Chanel, Hermès, Yves Saint Laurent…. Sloane street inside the V&A, fit only for a Princess. Princess Grace Kelly.