MIDDLEBURGH

Culture2

Mum used to take me to museums, art galleries; theatre concerts and even to Covent Garden which is just as well since I doubt if I could afford to go now.

One of my greatest regrets is that I never did the same with my boys. I only remember taking them to the theatre once in Bristol (a pantomime?). This means that the limited amount "culture” they appreciate is as a result of their own efforts. When I mentioned that I was “doing” cultural things in London both made comments that made me wince.

• Aaron was pejorative about “Phantom of the Opera - and he made a point that he was referring to the film not a live performance:
• Patrick sought to distanced himself from the "arts" on the basis that he was a 'scientist' . Leonardo Da Vinci would spin in his grave. What was worse is that the comment was made in a Dublin accent that James Joyce would approve off and I would not be surprised if Patrick has not read any Joyce or the easier Flann oBrien.

On the up side however AJ did express strong views about the Tate Modern; As it happens this is almost next door to our hotel.

I used to go to the Tate at Millbank regularly before they split collection. I particularly liked the Modern Art collection especially the sculptures, the Dali's; the Manet's and the Kinetic/Optical exhibits. Whilst I liked the new gallery and found a lot of the newer exhibits stimulating (makes you think even if you don't like them) I was disappointed not to see more Dali’s and at the condition of 2 other pieces:

• Degas dancer - I seem to remember it being cleaner; more "vital" - it looked downright drab and dowdy this time;
• Similarly the kinetic by Pol Bury (White Dots on an Oval Background) - could do with a clean.

I also went to the National Gallery to look at the Dutch and English paintings. I know that Millbank has a better collection of Turners but where can you see good Dutch paintings outside of Holland; I have always found their subject matter is more interesting than the Italian paintings (with exception of Leonardo's drawings).

Posted at 4/25/2005 11:57:00 am by David Middleburgh   Permalink

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