Thursday 29 April 2021

Shamed by a comment from Pam, who was kind enough to say, 'Come back, Mary!' ... well, here I am, wishing that Boris prioritised theatres and galleries over pubs, but alive and kicking and although it isn't fashionable to say so, sick to the back teeth of slooooowwww living - lockdown feels like God's waiting room! - and willing London to open up again!
I did go into town last week to pay a farewell visit to Persephone Books - there was a little queue outside the door - as I'm not likely to be visiting their new shop in Bath anytime soon. It did feel a bit like the end of an era: those lovely grey covers and discovering writers like Dorothy Whipple, then a browse in Pentreath & Hall over the road (which was closed) and maybe an all-day breakfast and a mug of proper tea at Sid's café next door (which looks properly closed for good like so many other independent businesses around town). It still feels very quiet everywhere; the suburbs seem busier than the West End. But I did go for an amble around Mecklenburgh Square because I've been enjoying this book:
I celebrated the re-opening of book shops with a browse in Hatchards and bought this, which I've been meaning to read for ages:
And, happily, although all the big galleries remain closed, the smaller ones count as non-essential shops. So although I'm not always the biggest fan of Gilbert&George, it was a real treat to see their take on 2020 and the new normal: plus I only booked as I was putting on my coat and leaving the house, and when did I last do anything as spontaneous as that!

9 comments:

Mystica said...

I'm glad youre back.

Mary said...

Thanks, Mystica. Hope you're well.

Vronni's Style Meanderings said...

Welcome back, Mary. I've missed you!

I was so sorry to see Persephone Books are moving. It was something I always tried to do on a trip to London, too. Pop in and treat myself to a beautiful book. I will try and go the Bath shop as when I go to visit my best friend of 55 years in Devon; I virtually drive past Bath and this will make a good break point.

I loved 'Square Haunting' got it for Christmas last year. I have no idea where Mecklenburgh Square but I'm going to find it!

Take care
xxx

Mary said...

Hello, Vronni - I'm surprised anyone is still around, I've been away so long! Mecklenburgh Square is only a few minutes' walk from Persephone Books, behind the Foundling Museum. I rather wished I'd had the book in my bag - except it's a hardback - as I wasn't sure of the house numbers but there's a plaque on Hilda Doolittle's house.
It's ages since I've been to Bath - sounds like you have a readymade excuse for a visit!

Rachel (Book Snob) said...

Missed you, Mary!

I went to Persephone on their last day, too. It really does feel like the end of an era. I wonder what will replace them on Lambs Conduit Street?

I've booked to see pretty much every play going once theatres reopen, and soon cinemas and galleries will be back...I'm feeling like London is slowly waking up at last, though as you say, there will be lots of favourite places that are sadly gone for good. It's really made me appreciate how lucky I am to have so much on my doorstep, and how much I always took it for granted. Never again!

Pam said...

Oooh, so pleased to see you're back. I now feel very powerful! Please keep blogging. I love reading about the stuff you've been doing or reading.

I'm very excited because after 32 years in this house, we've got round to having an outside tap fitted at the back and I've just spent five minutes watering my compost heap. And you think YOUR life is dull...

Mary said...

How lovely to hear from you, Rachel. I'd have been so thrilled if I'd bumped into you at Persephone. I know exactly what you mean about taking London for granted - I was so used to grabbing my coat and heading out the door without any forward planning (which has never been my strong point!) And I know I'm lucky to be near the river and Kew and Richmond - but I do miss a nice dark cinema! And the V&A.

I'll have to keep it up now, Pam! As for excitement - I went to the library yesterday, only click and collect but it felt like quite an outing!

Vintage Reading said...

Sad that I will have no reason to visit Lamb's Conduit Street anymore. Did you get a glimpse inside Mecklenburgh Square through the chains and railing?!

Mary said...

A tiny glimpse, Nicola - but you can't see much through the bushes, it's very private - which makes it all the more enticing!