29 October 2009
Villa Kérylos - the Foot
28 October 2009
Villa Kérylos - the Triptolème
Far from being a mere copy of the noble houses on the Greek island of Delos, Villa Kérylos is rather a reinvention of
ancient Greece. The architect, Emmanuel Pontremoli, did not want to make a pastiche but chose to create an original work with “Greece in mind”. He demonstrated his genius by subtly incorporating the modern conveniences of the
Belle Époque villas into the luxurious setting of an ancient Greek villa.
27 October 2009
Villa Kérylos - the Central Courtyard
Built by two great enthusiasts of Ancient Greece: Theodore Reinach, an archaeologist and patron of the arts, and Emmanuel Pontremoli, an inspired architect.
In keeping with many Mediterranean houses, the Villa Kérylos is built around a “peristyle”, a vast central courtyard surrounded by twelve monolithic columns in white Carrera marble. It was here that Theodore Reinach loved to take a walk.
26 October 2009
Villa Kérylos - Statuary
Copyright 2009 Monte Carlo Daily Photo. All rights reserved.
We're in the gardens of the Villa Kérylos. On one side, steps lead up to the villa and this beautiful sculpture welcomes us. The view beyond looks towards Eze, Cap d'Ail and Monaco.
Villa Kérylos has to be one of the most extraordinary sites on the French Riviera and tomorrow we'll learn more of its history.
25 October 2009
Villa Kérylos
A great day out is to visit Villa Kérylos in the morning and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its glorious gardens at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in the afternoon. The second photo here was taken just outside the Villa Ephrussi, looking down on Villa Kérylos.
Do come back - tomorrow we'll start to look around.
24 October 2009
Baby Doll
23 October 2009
Mirrored Marble
Copyright 2009 Monte Carlo Daily Photo. All rights reserve
We're inside the Hôtel de Paris - in a reception area just outside Alain Ducasse's famous 3-Michelin starred Louis XV restaurant. The walls are antique mirrors giving endless reflections of the opulent marble walls and beautiful lamps that are part of the foyer of this fabulous hotel.
A generous friend invited me here for lunch. It lasted from 12.30 to 16.30 and was absolutely the best lunch I ever had in my life.
22 October 2009
21 October 2009
The Scream
20 October 2009
The Glass Skull
19 October 2009
The Silver Skull
18 October 2009
The Two Most Perfect Things - 'Mrs. Worthington'
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If you'd like to hear Noël Coward himself sing 'Don't put your daughter on the stage, Mrs. Worthington' please click on the link.
The smaller photo shows part of a most appreciative audience. Note the beautiful Art Nouveau doors to the Salle Belle Epoque at the Hotel Hermitage.
17 October 2009
The Two Most Perfect Things - the Cast
The stage of the Salle Belle Epoque in the Hermitage Hotel. The cast (see small photo) - Diane Weller, Stuart Barham (Musical Director/Narrator), Charles Howell (Ivor Novello), Isabelle Roeland & Adrian Fisher (Noël Coward/Author/Director).
16 October 2009
The Two Most Perfect Things - the 'Master' & the 'Governor'
The show is a shortened 'dinner-theatre' version of a new, full-length play about the lives and works of Noël Coward and Ivor Novello - The 'Master' and the Governor.' The research that author, Adrian Fisher, has done demonstrates just how disparate their legacies actually are. While there exists a mountain of books about the life and works of Noël, as well as frequent productions of his works, Ivor, although probably the greater star during their lifetimes, has slipped quietly into semi-obscurity, with only a handful of old biographies to tell his story.
In this shot, we see the Australian soprano, Dianne Weller. She took the part of Gertrude Lawrence although here is she playing the role of Noël's mother early on in the show. In the background, we see Stuart Barham at the piano - the Musical Director and Narrator.
15 October 2009
The Two Most Perfect Things - Salle Belle Epoque
Originally a more modest establishment than the Casino or the Hôtel de Paris, in 1900 the Hôtel Hermitage was transformed into a luxurious residence for visitors. This Belle Epoque dining-room was the work of Gabriel Ferrier, winner of the Rome Prize and gold medalist at the Universal Exhibition of 1889. The frescoes recall paintings by Fragonard and Boucher.
14 October 2009
The Two Most Perfect Things - Noel Coward & Ivor Novello
We're having a night out in Monte Carlo.
There are many associations in Monaco but for English-speaking newcomers, the British Association of Monaco (BAM) is the one to join. You make new friends, you get help and information on all the little things - a good dentist, where to get your hair cut - sometimes difficult in a new country - and you can attend any of the many events they organise. The British Association of Monaco is a charity and so you even do good whilst having a good time. And when you've lived here for years, well an event is an excuse to get together with old friends. Our group was so large it took up two tables.
So, we are having a night at the Hotel Hermitage in Monte Carlo, followed as you see by what promises to be a great show. Dress code is Black Tie/1920s dress. We'll be dining in the beautiful Salle Belle Epoque - do come back tomorrow and join us.
13 October 2009
Classic Week - the Sedov
She is now used as a training ship operating out of Murmansk in Russia and is often seen at the prestigious Tall Ships races, including Monaco.
In the last photo, you see part of the rigging reflected on the bonnet of Prince Albert's car. He is driving himself back to the Palace after a private visit to the neighbouring ship, the Palinuro. As you can see, he had drawn quite a crowd on the deck of the Sedov.
12 October 2009
Classic Week - the Bird and the Balloon
You can read more about this classic car by clicking on the link.
11 October 2009
Classic Week - the Thames Ditton
In the lower photo, the yellow car is a 1911 Super 2 cylinder cycle car - unique in the world.
The red car is a 1913 Panhard & Levassor Type X 19, 4 cyl. 10 CV.
10 October 2009
Classic Week - the 1911 Zebra
09 October 2009
Classic Week - the Bathers
As well as sailing yachts and tall ships, we can enjoy displays of beautiful old cars and bikes and even Bleriot's airplane - all displayed against backdrops of massively enlarged old photographs. Don't you just love the bathers.(click either photo to enlarge)
Tomorrow - do come back and see what car this is - maybe an enthusiast knows already?
08 October 2009
Classic Week - the Table
The table seems too big for this sailing yacht but presumably it will straddle the deck somehow, ready for a reception. It's the final day of Monaco's famous Classic Week - when the world's beautiful sailing yachts and tall ships descend on Monaco to compete and to show off their beauty.
07 October 2009
Classic Week: Contrasts
She is, as you see, quite a contrast to the modern cruise liner, Sinfonia.
In the smaller photo, you see H.S.H.Prince Albert II leaving the Palinuro after a private visit.
06 October 2009
Classic Week - Knowing the Ropes
We are visiting Monaco's Classic Week, when the world's sailing ships and tall ships descend on the Principality to compete and show off their beauty.
Everywhere you look - ropes, pulleys, polished wood and brass that sparkles as much as the diamonds worn by many of the visitors.
05 October 2009
Anticipation
04 October 2009
Villefranche - the Railway Station and Diaghilev
We're leaving Villefranche - the poster advertises the Russian Ballet and the Serge Diaghilev exhibition at the Villa Sauber in Monaco (now finished).
Below the railway station, boats on the water enjoy the last rays of the sun. It's hard to leave - such a beautiful place...but we'll be back. Thanks so much to everyone who came along on this boat trip.
03 October 2009
Villefranche - Dusk
02 October 2009
Villefranche - a House by the Sea
01 October 2009
Theme Day: Contrast in the Bathroom Shop
It's Theme Day again - the challenge: Contrast.
Here we see the interior of a bathroom accessories shop in the prestigious Metropole Gallery in Monte Carlo. You want the softest towels, the most stylish bathrobes, candles, lamps, ornaments - you'll find them here. Browns, creams, glass, shine and matt and of course light and shadow - all create contrast.
Don't miss other CDP bloggers take on this Theme - well over 100. You'll love the incredible talent and imagination that speaks of the CDP community. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.
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