Hi Jo-Jo: delighted you enjoyed the article! I had all of one hour to explore the 330 acres of Kew before I had to rejoin my group tour, and I am very glad I spent it with Marianne North!
So enjoyed this column and would love to see that beautiful gallery now. I also greatly enjoyed The Doorman, a very entertaining read. Have fun in Quebec City. I don't remember the name of our hotel but if I were you, I'd stay at the Frontenac.
Hi Tracy! Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed it! The gallery is a gem and somehow under-the -radar although Marianne North was quite famous in her day.
Thank you so much for highlighting this, Lynn. These drawings are beautiful, not just decorative, but very real. If I find myself at Kew, I will definitely visit this gallery of Eden.
I've never been to Kew, but when I get there I'm definitely going to make a beeline for the Marianne North Gallery.
As for Quebec City, do stay at the Château Frontenac. It's one of N. America's great historic hotels, of course, and the location is great for access to both the upper and lower old towns. The historic centre is all very walkable. The views of the river will needless to say be stunning, if not from your room then from the common areas or the Dufferin Terrace, the pedestrian esplanade out front.
I second staying at the Frontenac. If you can, get a room with a view over the river or promenade. Also, a cocktail at Bar 1608 is a must. The bartenders put on quite a show. If you are a fan of Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache books, or even if you aren't, read the one set in Quebec, Bury Your Dead. A murder mystery plus lots of history of the city. And take the "Bury Your Dead" tour: https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/businesses/bury-your-dead-tours
If you'd like to stay in a small place, at the edge of the Old City's walls, I would recommend the Hotel Manoir D'Auteil (https://www.manoirdauteuil.com). Charming small B&B. I and a friend had neighboring garret rooms, which made us feel very French somehow. You can walk to everything within and outside of the walls. Very good breakfast. Just a charming place overall, a bit away from the hordes of tourists.
Very envious. Can't wait to be back in London to see it. What a fascinating woman.
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing this. So well written and beautiful artwork.
So glad you enjoyed it!! I put my heart and soul into these articles and it feels so good to have someone enjoy them!
Wonderful post, so well written and captivating. Thank you so much for sharing. I can't wait to see it on the next trip to London.
Hi Jo-Jo: delighted you enjoyed the article! I had all of one hour to explore the 330 acres of Kew before I had to rejoin my group tour, and I am very glad I spent it with Marianne North!
So enjoyed this column and would love to see that beautiful gallery now. I also greatly enjoyed The Doorman, a very entertaining read. Have fun in Quebec City. I don't remember the name of our hotel but if I were you, I'd stay at the Frontenac.
Hi Tracy! Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed it! The gallery is a gem and somehow under-the -radar although Marianne North was quite famous in her day.
Thank you for this lovely piece! Would love to see these amazing paintings in real life someday.
I, too, aspire to visit Quebec City...but I would definitely second the recommendation to read some Louise Penny beforehand:-)
Pitching Louise Penny to my bookclub! Working my courage up to book QC!
Thank you so much for highlighting this, Lynn. These drawings are beautiful, not just decorative, but very real. If I find myself at Kew, I will definitely visit this gallery of Eden.
Thank you Maria! Isn’t her work remarkable? Back in her day some
critics called it “gaudy” but her bold colors and environmental
Settings is what make it unique and still
so scientifically relevant.
I've never been to Kew, but when I get there I'm definitely going to make a beeline for the Marianne North Gallery.
As for Quebec City, do stay at the Château Frontenac. It's one of N. America's great historic hotels, of course, and the location is great for access to both the upper and lower old towns. The historic centre is all very walkable. The views of the river will needless to say be stunning, if not from your room then from the common areas or the Dufferin Terrace, the pedestrian esplanade out front.
The gallery is a delight —
A quiet break from the crowds in the glasshouses
I second staying at the Frontenac. If you can, get a room with a view over the river or promenade. Also, a cocktail at Bar 1608 is a must. The bartenders put on quite a show. If you are a fan of Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache books, or even if you aren't, read the one set in Quebec, Bury Your Dead. A murder mystery plus lots of history of the city. And take the "Bury Your Dead" tour: https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/businesses/bury-your-dead-tours
Ok! Thank you! I have already heard that cocktails at the Frontenac are not to be missed — happy to hear you both didn’t find it too touristy.
I also know what my next read is. :)
If you'd like to stay in a small place, at the edge of the Old City's walls, I would recommend the Hotel Manoir D'Auteil (https://www.manoirdauteuil.com). Charming small B&B. I and a friend had neighboring garret rooms, which made us feel very French somehow. You can walk to everything within and outside of the walls. Very good breakfast. Just a charming place overall, a bit away from the hordes of tourists.
Oh thanks for this rec too! My sons went to QC last fall and are suggesting I stay in Old Town if I go it alone
The Manoir d'Auteil is inside the walls of the Old Town, but quieter than the Frontenac and Promenade end of things.
Good to know!