Latest news with #QueenVictoria
NZ Herald
an hour ago
- General
- NZ Herald
Greer Twiss the ‘Godfather' of contemporary New Zealand sculpture: Laura Vodanovich
In a way I grew up with Twiss, with his work Karangahape Rocks, 1967-69, strongly influencing my young sense of art in public spaces - it was a work that arrested my attention and I would stop and ponder it often. Sculptor Greer Twiss died earlier this month. Photo / Greg Bowker While I was working at Auckland Museum, a project initiated by Outdoor Sculpture 2001, and supported by the Edmiston Trust, installed sculptures throughout the Auckland Domain. Marquette's of these sculptures, including Twiss's work among other significant names in the artworld, were displayed at Auckland Museum in 2004. Some magnificent and striking sculptures were created as part of this initiative, but it was Twiss' work Grafting, that was my very favourite. Grafting is a series of 10 sculptures in the fernery, part of the Wintergardens in the Auckland Domain. These works include nine native birds and a pear tree, each complete with a label typical of those used on specimens you might find in a museum. The individual labels include the Latin, te reo Māori and English 'common' name for each bird, but for the tree just the word pear along with Twiss's signature. Woven through this work you can detect his interest in the colonial period through his use of three forms of classification identifying each native bird. For the pear tree, introduced to Aotearoa by missionary Samuel Marsden, Twiss dispenses with the three names and strips this specimen to just the one common name, pear. His exploration of the colonial period and the 'dialogue between the natural situation and the imposed brought into the situation' has seen him create a number of works on this theme. In 2020 his agent, Jane Sanders, reached out to us to say Twiss would like to offer a work to the Hawke's Bay Museums Trust Tai Ahuriri collection and we were delighted to accept his generous offer. The work, Hobson's Baggage, 1995, is another sculpture exploring the colonial theme. Toni MacKinnon, art curator at the time, wrote that 'Greer Twiss' sculpture brings objects together in unexpected ways… Queen Victoria is loaded into an old suitcase, there is a flag that has no way of fitting into the case, and a watering can! And what is the little lamp about?' Twiss of course made sense of this, pondering what Hobson might have bought in his luggage including, possibly, a bust of Queen Victoria. In his eyes the items all represent something including authority, cultivation and the law. It is a wonderful work to have in our collection and another way in which Twiss has positively influenced my personal relationship with artworks in Aotearoa.
Times
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Queen Victoria, her ‘secret love child' and me
A ngela Webb-Milinkovich would be the first to admit that her look is not regal: the care worker from Minnesota has tattoos, a mullet and a nose piercing, but she may play an extraordinary part in royal history. This Midwesterner has a story that suggests she may be a secret descendant of Queen Victoria and her devoted manservant John Brown. It sounds sensational, but Fern Riddell, a respected historian, believes it may be true. She has delved deep into the relationship between Victoria and Brown, uncovering reams of material indicating that the two were more than friends. Riddell's book Victoria's Secret and Channel 4 documentary Queen Victoria: Secret Marriage, Secret Child? will prompt debate about the nature of the couple's love, but Webb-Milinkovich may be the coup de grace.
Time Out
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The arty, colourful seaside town that is one of the best day trips from London
After a short bout of rain and thunderstorms, Londoners have been promised that the sun is on its way back to the capital. We're well into summer now, so there's every chance that you've now exhausted all there is to do in the city on a scorching hot day. The solution? Get out and go on a day trip. There's loads of wonderful places that are within easy reach of London – our expertly day trips curated list is packed with historic cities, cosy pastoral towns and charming villages perfect for whatever kind of excursion you fancy. If it's a seaside trip you're after, we've got just the place. Time Out named Whitstable our favourite day trip from London for summer 2025, but coming in close second was St Leonards-on-Sea. The smaller sister town to Hastings, St Leonards is a must-go destination all on its own. It was supposedly Queen Victoria's favourite coastal resort back in the 1800s and these days boasts a fab array of galleries, indie coffee shops, art deco architecture and antique treasure troves. Londoners can get to the town via an easy one hour and 18 minute train journey from Charing Cross, so there's really no excuse not to go and see it for yourself. Ella Doyle, Time Out's guides editor, said that St Leonards is a particularly delightful spot for foodies. She wrote: 'There's a reason so many Londoners moved to St Leonards-On-Sea during lockdown – it's a cracking day out from the Big Smoke for beachside drinks and a tonne of great food spots. 'Head to food market Heist (basically a much nicer version of Boxpark) for orange wine and street food, then sink pints at Goat Ledge, a vibey, colourful shack right on the beach. If you fancy splashing out a little, book dinner at the fabulously old-school St Clement's for white tablecloths and delicious seafood.' There's plenty more to do besides wining and dining, a bountiful cave of vintage treasures, stop by Teddy Tinkers and for a good dose of art, we recommend walking along the seafront to Hastings Contemporary. There you'll find rolling exhibitions from some of the world's leading contemporary artists, including the likes of Jake and Dinos Chapman and Sarah Lucas. here. See the rest of Time Out's best day trips from the London.
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- North Wales Live
Reviewer visits popular North Wales town and describes it as 'ridiculous'
Conwy, with its majestic medieval fortifications, venerable castle, and bustling harbour, stands as one of the most ridiculously picturesque towns in Wales. Not only is it a favourite among tourists, but it has also earned a spot on the Sunday Times list of the top 72 places to live in the UK, a testament to its irresistible charm. "Every kind of natural adventure is within easy reach of the brooding towers and tumbledown castle walls that cast an enchanting spell over this coastal hotspot," they penned about Conwy. "Those lucky enough to live in the town can pick up groceries and grab a coffee in impeccably historic surroundings, while enjoying the reassurance of regular trains and a fast road." The quayside in Conwy is an idyllic starting point for exploration, adorned with lobster pots, knotted fishing nets, and the quintessential maritime miscellany one would expect. Adjacent to The Liverpool Arms, which is quite the spot for a sneaky pint, you'll find an information board detailing current rates for mooring in the harbour, should you be inclined to dock your boat there. For those whose seafaring dreams are as fictional as my own yacht supposedly anchored in Monaco, the family-operated Queen Victoria cruise boat offers a delightful alternative. It promises scenic voyages up the Conwy Valley or out towards the estuary, granting passengers panoramic views of Anglesey, Puffin Island, and the Irish Sea, all without the need for a captain's license, reports Wales Online. Buy a beverage on board and look for Herons, Oystercatchers, Curlews, Cormorants, Eagrets, and Swans as you cruise past the medieval town. Along the harbour, you'll also find one of Conway's most endearing quirks: The Smallest House in Great Britain. Recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records, the tiny red-fronted abode measures just 72 inches wide and 122 inches high and was occupied until May 1900. It's been passed down through the same family for more than 130 years. Its last known occupant was, rather improbably, a 6ft 3in fisherman called Robert Jones. Today, it serves as a curious attraction and twee backdrop for many Conwy snaps. If you're after a pint with a view, duck into The Liverpool Arms, the oldest traditional pub in Conwy town. It's perched right on the waterfront, just across the road from the quay and beaches and is super popular on a balmy day with patrons spilling out into the streets. History, harbour views and a proper decent pint, what more could you possibly want? Along with the harbour, Conwy's biggest draw is the Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle) and its Walls. Part of one of Wales' UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle) features a concentric design with eight towers. It forms part of King Edward I's "Iron Ring", a series of imposing fortresses built in Wales during the late 13th century to solidify English control after the conquest of Wales. Here, you can investigate the inner and outer wards, which have many rooms, and explore the castle walls, which have 21 towers and completely enclose Conwy town. This famous fortress is exceptionally well preserved and contains the most intact set of medieval royal apartments in Wales. The high curtain wall and eight lofty towers rise almost as impressively as when they were built more than 700 years ago. Known for its beauty and historical significance, the castle was named one of the 'most beautiful' in Europe by the influential magazine Condé Nast Traveller. Condé Nast Traveller writes: "Aside from getting us one step closer to living out our fairytale fantasies, the staggering structures showcase some of the world's best architecture, most stunning landscapes, and maybe even a ghost story or two. There's perhaps no better place on earth to find awe-inspiring castles than in Europe, where it seems like you can't visit a city or take a road trip without stumbling upon some sort of royal dwelling." They go on to describe Conwy as 'gorgeous' and its preserved state as 'impressive.' Well, it was built a little over 700 years ago. Equally astonishing is the fact that it took King Ed and his architect, Master James of St George, just four years, between 1283 and 1287, to build the castle and walls, for a cost of £15,000 in that time, which equals around £12m today. Like many ancient buildings in Wales, Conwy Castle is reputedly haunted, delighting ghost chasers and paranormal lovers. Creepy sightings have included various silhouettes and dark figures watching the town below from the battlements and windows. In the 16th century, King Henry VIII used the castle as a prison, so many of the sightings are believed to be past inmates. In 2016, a team of paranormal investigators claimed they recorded the voice of a little girl spirit saying 'don't tell them'. Which is exactly what you don't want to hear in a dark, echoey fortress. Shudder. In 2020, a man took a picture outside Conwy Castle, which he believes shows a line of phantoms led by a male ghost holding a sword, as reported by North Wales Live. After you've had your fill of castles and ghosts, it's time to treat yourself, and Dylan's Restaurant is just the ticket. Founded in 2012, Dylan's set out to celebrate the produce, character, and natural beauty of North Wales, and honestly, they've nailed it at this latest venture. The menu is a love letter to local ingredients, sourced from all over the region, and served up in a building that's as gorgeous as the food. From the upper floors, you get sweeping views of the 13th-century St Mary's Church and Conwy Castle. One end of the room features a slick little bar, serving local pours like Gwinllan Conwy wines and Wild Horse Brewery beers. The standout here, though, is the seafood. Dylan's is especially famous for its Moules Marinière, made with Menai Strait mussels that are so fresh that they occasionally arrive with a pearl (probably). Steamed in white wine, shallots, garlic, and cream, they are a knockout dish. Accommodation-wise, opt for a swish stay at the Quay Hotel and Spa. This destination spa hotel has striking views of the majestic Conwy Castle and estuary and is conveniently located near the Welsh towns of Conwy and Llandudno. Over £1 million has been invested in revamping and updating the Quay Hotel and Spa, which focuses on guest experience and well-being. Nearby in Deganwy, you'll find bracing coastal walks, tea shops, a shingle and sand beach and the ruins of a stone-built fortress. The hotel's 77 bedrooms, from classic rooms to suites, feature coastal colours and hints of maritime design. Several rooms offer balconies and private outdoor space for additional luxury and space. Extensive leisure facilities are available for guests, and the on-site Marina Spa offers luxurious pampering. Their ambient relaxation rooms overlook the pretty Deganwy Marina, and ESPA products are used in various treatments and seasonal packages. Indulge in a full-body salt and oil scrub, personalised facial, or revitalising back, neck, and shoulder medieval town by the sea with an epic castle and pubs right on the water.
Eater
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
The Best Place To Watch New York Dress Up Again
Over the nearly 80 years since the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel opened in 1931, this masterpiece of Art Deco glamour has played host to every political figure, including Queen Elizabeth, the Dalai Lama, Barack Obama, as well as celebrities like Grace Kelly, Marlene Dietrich, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe. Now, after an eight-year and nearly $2 billion renovation by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, it's finally ready. The storied hotel — the first in New York City to offer room service, have electricity in rooms, and allow single-women guests —reopened last week at 301 Park Avenue, between East 49th and 50th streets, presenting three new restaurants: There's Lex Yard led by Chef Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern in the former Oscar's space along with Peacock Alley with cocktails from Jeff Bell of Please Don't Tell. There's also the kaiseki Japanese Yoshoku by chef Ry Nitzkowski, who led the sushi bar at Zero Bond and was chef and partner at The Residence of Mr. Moto. Peacock Alley is the only of the trio of restaurant openings that remains from the hotel's former life; it still connects Lexington and Park Avenues, but is now more dazzling than ever. During the renovation, Hilton Hotels pushed the guest reception area toward the street. It expands Peacock Alley so it now feels like a grand living room outfitted with tufted armchairs, deep corner banquettes, and polished tables surrounding the iconic golden filigreed clock, a gift from Queen Victoria in 1893. Also, for the first time, Peacock Alley does double duty as an old-world bar and an all-day restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, cocktails, and dinner steps from the piano where Cole Porter wrote hits like 'I've Got You Under My Skin.' The Cole Porter piano and the famous clock from Queen Victoria in Peacock Alley. Paul Quitoriano Breakfast Cocooned from the chaos of midtown, Peacock Alley is a peaceful respite in the morning. Jazz plays overhead, mixing with the quiet din of conversation. Blue-suited servers deliver coffees served on Bernardaud china to a collection of guests who apparently still go into the office. Newspapers are unfolded, small perky dogs strut with their Chanel-clad owners, and silver trays of warm croissants by pastry chef Jenny Chiu are ferried to tables where they are quickly demolished. Naturally, there's an avocado toast, but why have another avocado toast when you can have the eggs Benedict ($38), a dish popularized by the hotel back in the 1930s? Here it's reconstructed on a sourdough English Muffin with your choice of country ham or smoked salmon, draped in a glossy sash of hollandaise. The Waldorf salad. Paul Quitoriano Lunch By lunchtime, the crowds of smartly dressed banker types and cliques of fancy friends roll in. It's the sort of place you might expect to find AJLT's Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte discussing whether Aidan is truly committed to the long-distance relationship. The all-day menu by chef Michael Anthony includes caviar service, raw-bar towers, and a smoked turkey club properly layered with crispy bacon and ripe slices of summer tomato. The Waldorf salad ($26) feels obligatory given how much time Anthony spent figuring out how to bring it back to life. 'I had no prior experience making Waldorf salads, but I've thought long and hard about this one,' said Anthony. His renovated salad is baby gem lettuces, honeycrisp apples, quartered grapes, and caramelized walnuts topped with a heavy snowfall's worth of grated New York State cheddar. I can't say I ever craved a Waldorf before, but here I am saying just that. Cocktail hour As the hour passes 5 p.m., the pianist takes his seat at Cole Porter's piano, and the peacocking that gave the bar its original name begins. While there is no dress code, a nostalgia of bygone glamour travels like a crease in time into the room, with hostesses in floor-length gold sequin gowns and servers in crushed velvet wide-lapeled tuxedos designed by No Uniform. If a Beyoncé tour were a cocktail bar, it would be Peacock Alley. The 12-seat bar fills up quickly, and the wait for a table can run over an hour, not surprising given the setting and cocktails by PDT's Jeff Bell, whose list of 20 cocktails includes several originals to the hotel. They include the Waldorf (rye, sweet vermouth, bitters), the Commodore ($34, bourbon, lemon, pomegranate), and the Dr. Cook ($32, Tito's Vodka, Luxardo Maraschino, lime, grapefruit). 'Hotel bars are the foundation of classic cocktails,' said Bell. 'The Savoy in London and the Oak Room at the Plaza. I tried to balance the DNA of the hotel with modern innovation.' There are four ice-cold martinis, three handsome Old Fashioneds ($30 to $34), and seven more cocktails that will change with the seasons, including a Rhuby Slipper ($30) that leans on fresh rhubarb juice and lemon balm. To snack on with your cocktails, have the housemade Cheez-Its and fancy roasted nuts sprinkled liberally with seaweed and sesame furikake. Add a platter of roasted and raw vegetables with sweet French onion-ish dip ($28) and the pigs in a blanket ($28), made from Chiu's golden puff pastry and Anthony's homemade sausages. 'We wanted to make elevated versions of familiar dishes,' said Anthony. 'We dress them up without making them too fancy.' The seafood platter is available in Peacock Alley and Lex Yard. Paul Quitoriano Dinner While the room is steeped in history, the menu isn't stodgy. Dinner comes together like a party, with a seafood tower ($118), New England crab cakes, Benton's ham with biscuits ($24), lobster rolls ($53) topped with embarrassing amounts of caviar and truffles, and beef sliders ($36) topped with cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, and zesty katsu sauce. Before you leave, perhaps there's time for a nightcap such as the $75 (!) Reserve Rob Roy, a drink original to the Waldorf that Bell mixes like a serenade from Yamazaki Distiller's Edition Whiskey, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, La Venaria Reale Riserva, and the addition of Benedictine, a change from the original recipe. 'This is such an artful and historic cocktail,' said Bell. It's the luxurious end to an opulent rebirth. Garnishing the cocktail at Peacock Alley. Paul Quitoriano Eater NY All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . 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