From Rosetta to Ramses: Unveiling the Treasures of the British Museum

Explore human history and culture with us at the British Museum, home to iconic artifacts like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.

The exterior of the British Museum. Photo: WikiCommons

The British Museum in London is a history, art, and culture treasure trove. With a collection that spans thousands of years of the human experience, this iconic institution offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the past.

The Rosetta Stone was the key to unlocking the secrets
of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Photo: WikiCommons

The British Museum features more than fifty galleries, where you’ll be surrounded by artifacts from many different civilizations. View the Rosetta Stone, dating to 196 BC. It is part of a larger slab found near the Egyptian village of el-Rashid (Rosetta). The stone proved to be the key to unlocking the secrets of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.

The Elgin Marbles are a remarkable collection of ancient Greek
sculptures from the Parthenon Temple in Athens. Photo: WikiCommons

Explore the Elgin Marbles (also called the Parthenon Marbles)—an extraordinary collection of Ancient Greek sculptures that adorned the frieze, metopes, and pediments of the Parthenon. They were created in the 5^th century BC under the direction of the illustrious Greek sculptor and architect Phidias. They were initially part of the Parthenon Temple in Athens. However, they were removed in the early 1800s by Thomas Bruce, the 7^th Earl of Elgin.

This replica of a helmet found in the Sutton Hoo burial is
displayed along with the original. Photo: WikiCommons

Visit room 41 and learn how the British Museum acquired the archaeological treasures within the famed Sutton Hoo ship burial. In 1939, amateur archaeologist Basil Brown unearthed this remarkable find. What he revealed was not just a grave but a spectacular funerary monument on an epic scale: an 88.6-foot-long ship with a central burial chamber filled with dazzling riches.

These winged human-headed lions stand guard over the Assyrian
Exhibit at the British Museum. Photo: WikiCommons

Whether you prefer Egyptian mummies, Assyrian winged human-headed lions, life-sized scarabs, or Medieval Europe, the more than sixty galleries at the British Museum offer a captivating journey through time. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this remarkable institution and connect with the stories of our shared human past.

Nesperennub was the son of Ankhefenkhons, a priest
of the Temple of Karnak. Photo: WikiCommons

If you’d like to explore the British Museum with us, we are heading there as part of our Antique Adventures Tour of London and Wales from August 29 through September 5, 2024. Learn more about the tour and register here.

Related:

A London Antiquing Adventure Awaits You

Uncovering the Charms of Grays Antique Market

Exploring the Eclectic Collections of the Sir John Soane’s Museum

Kensington Palace Unveiled: Where Royalty Roamed

Meet Leadenhall Market: London’s Hidden Victorian Gem

History and Modernity Meet in the Heart of London’s East End

 

 

 

London’s Calling

Paul Kennedy – From the Editor:

The moon over Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Join us on an antiquing adventure of a lifetime as we tour London this summer.

I don’t know about you, but when the end of August rolls around, I’ve just about had my fill of hot dogs on the grill, mosquitos, sunburn, ants circling the sticky puddle formed by my melting popsicle, guys in jorts and, for the most part, summer. Where I live, August is hot and humid, and my lawn looks a lot like I feel – wore out. Most of the time, the end of summer is a bummer.

But not this year. This summer, the end of August means the beginning of something new and incredibly exciting. We’re going to London! And you’re invited to join in the fun.

Kovels Antique Trader, working with professional tour operators in Europe, has just launched Antique Adventures to create unique travel experiences centered around our hobby. Our first stop: London.

From August 29 through September 5, I’ll be playing tour host along with fellow editor Kele Johnson on an unforgettable antiquing experience across the pond. The tour includes stays in four-star hotels, incredible antiques and collectibles shopping, visits to amazing museums, stops at breathtaking and historic palaces, and a lot of what makes London a true city of the world, and this a trip of a lifetime.

We promise a grand yet cozy experience, with tour space limited.

During our stay we’ll hit such well-known London favorites as Grays Antique Market, home to one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of fine antiques and spectacular jewelry, and Leadenhall Market, one of the oldest markets in London, dating as far back as the 14th century. Located in the historic center of London’s financial district, Leadenhall Market played a starring role in the Harry Potter films, making it a rather magical place for a bit of shopping.

And while I like to hunt for bargains just as much as the next person, you can’t very well go to London without taking in the city’s fantastic landmarks.

We’ll tour Westminster Abbey, an architectural masterpiece and one of the most important churches in the world. Westminster Abbey has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066 and for numerous other royal occasions, such as 16 royal weddings–including Prince William’s 2011 marriage to Catherine Middleton.

We’ll walk in the footsteps of kings and queens at Kensington Palace, famously the birthplace of Queen Victoria in 1819 and a royal residence for more than 300 years. Speaking of royals, we’ll also take in Buckingham Palace, one of the few working royal palaces on earth. Did you know that Buckingham Palace became the official London residence of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837? Neither did I.

While the 830,000-square-foot Palace is filled with history, perhaps the most well-known bit of pomp and circumstance takes place outside: the famed Changing of Guard. The formal ceremony at the Palace’s forecourt has been around for centuries and is not to be missed.

Our week will also include tours of the Tower of London, an incomparable medieval fortress and home of the Crown Jewels, and the British Museum, an architectural wonder and home to some of the world’s most noted antiquities, including the Rosetta Stone.

London is filled with so much history that you can drink it in while sipping a pint of Guinness, which is what we’ll do one evening at the Mayflower Pub on the River Thames. The Pub’s proprietors tell me that from their spot, you can see the original 1620 mooring point of the Mayflower, the ship that carried the Pilgrims from England to Plymouth, Massachusetts.

I know this summer, when the hot and humid days of late August shuffle in, a pint of Guinness at a pub with new-found friends at the end of a day’s adventure is going to top yet another hot dog off the grill. And men in jorts.

Visit our website here to learn more about Antique Adventures and the complete itinerary for the London Tour.

Related:

A London Antiquing Adventure Awaits You

Uncovering the Charms of Grays Antique Market

Exploring the Eclectic Collections of the Sir John Soane’s Museum

Kensington Palace Unveiled: Where Royalty Roamed

Meet Leadenhall Market: London’s Hidden Victorian Gem

History and Modernity Meet in the Heart of London’s East End

 

History and Modernity Meet in the Heart of London’s East End

Old Spitalfields Market offers a unique blend of history, culture, and shopping experiences.

The Robert Horner plaque above Spitalfields Market entrance. Photo: WikiCommons

Old Spitalfields Market is situated right in the heart of London’s East End. Its streets are featured in the lore of London’s most famous and infamous inhabitants, including Charles Dickens and Jack the Ripper. St. Mary Spittel, an abbey and hospital established in 1197, once sat close to the market site before being demolished after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539. It is from St. Mary’s that Spitalfields took its name.

Old Spitalfields Market 1947 Photo: Britain from Above

The historic and bustling covered market has been a hub for over 350 years. The market began on the site in 1666. At the time, the land, located just outside the city gates, had been used to graze cattle. King Charles II made the market official just after the Great Fire of London in September 1666. Operating on Thursdays and Saturdays in and around Spital Square, the market originally offered fresh produce.

Fruits and veggie stands are still a part of Old Spitalfields Market. Photo: WikiCommons

The current incarnation of the market came about in 1876 after it was purchased by Robert Horner, a former market porter who is responsible for the current iron and glass roof. In the 1920s, the City of London bought it. Thankfully, the market survived the incessant bombing of the East End during WWII. Old Spitalfields Market has undergone refurbishment and rejuvenation over the years, transforming it into one of the capital’s most distinctive shopping, dining, and drinking venues.

Treasures abound in Old Spitalfields Market’s stalls. Photo: WikiCommons

The market hosts a diverse array of stalls featuring a dynamic selection of traders, craftsmen, artists, and artisans. Under its fabulous Victorian roof, it offers fashions, food, antiques, vintage items, and more. No matter what you seek, Old Spitalfields is the perfect venue for exploration and unique discoveries.

If you’d like to explore the Old Spitalfields Market with us, we are heading there as part of our Antique Adventures Tour of London and Wales from August 29 through September 5, 2024. Learn more about the tour and register here.

Related:

A London Antiquing Adventure Awaits You 

Uncovering the Charms of Grays Antique Market 

Exploring the Eclectic Collections of the Sir John Soane’s Museum 

Kensington Palace Unveiled: Where Royalty Roamed 

Meet Leadenhall Market: London’s Hidden Victorian Gem 

 

Meet Leadenhall Market: London’s Hidden Victorian Gem

Leadenhall Market, located in the heart of the City of London, is a vibrant, covered Victorian retail
center with cobbled walkways, a glass roof, and a rich heritage dating back to the 14th century.

Leadenhall Market at night. Photo: WikiCommons

Leadenhall Market, nestled in the heart of London’s Square Mile, is a captivating and historic covered market. Its origins trace back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest markets in the city. The market’s location in the financial district adds to its allure, creating a delightful blend of commerce, culture, and architectural splendor.

Stroll Leadenhall Market’s cobbled streets. Photo: WikiCommons

Vibrant and intriguing, Leadenhall Market beckons visitors with its ornate wrought iron and glass structure. Strolling through its cobbled streets, you’ll encounter an array of boutiques, shops, restaurants, and bars.

This model of Londoninium resides in the London Museum. The tall building in
the back is the Basilica. The remains of this building and the city’s market
are located under Leadenhall Market. Photo: Museum of London

The rich history of Leadenhall unfolds as you explore its nooks and crannies. Before its marketplace incarnation, it was the capital of Roman Britain, built around 50 AD. Under the present-day market lie the ruins of Londinium. All that remains visible today is a portion of a well-made brick wall—a part of a support for the Basilica, the building housing the Roman town hall and courts. In its day, it was the largest building of its kind north of the Alps. It and the remains of the Forum (market) lie under Leadenhall. Bishopsgate, Cheapside, and Leadenhall Street all follow the route of the old Roman roads.

A portion of a well-made brick wall–part of the Basilica support
Photo: Look Up London

Moving forward 1,200 years, Leadenhall was established as a meat market in the 1300s, primarily trading in poultry and game. Over the centuries, Leadenhall expanded its offerings to include cereals, eggs, butter, cheese, spices, wool, and leather. It became a hub where goods changed hands and stories unfolded.

The beautiful detail and cobbled streets add to the splendor of Leadenhall Market. Photo: WikiCommons

Part of the market was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was rebuilt as a covered market, which was then divided into three sections: a beef market, a green yard, and an herb market. In 1881, architect Sir Horace Jones redesigned it. The existing stone façade was replaced with glass and iron, becoming a proper Victorian market. This is the market structure today. It is considered a cultural heritage building.

The Leadenhall Market dragon, also known as The Spandrel of Terror. Photo: WikiCommons

Harry Potter enthusiasts will recognize Leadenhall Market as the filming location for Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron in the first movie. The enchanting architecture, with its arched entrances and intricate details, lends an otherworldly charm, and it is easy to imagine yourself in a completely magical place.

Stunning architecture with breathtaking detail abounds in Leadenhall Market. Photo: WikiCommons

A visit to this iconic market promises an unforgettable experience. While you’re there, don’t forget to look for Old Tom!

If you’d like to explore Leadenhall Market with us, we are heading there as part of our Antique Adventures Tour of London and Wales from August 29 through September 5, 2024. Learn more about the tour and register here.

 

 

Related:

A London Antiquing Adventure Awaits You 

Uncovering the Charms of Grays Antique Market 

Exploring the Eclectic Collections of the Sir John Soane’s Museum 

Kensington Palace Unveiled: Where Royalty Roamed 

 

Kensington Palace Unveiled: Where Royalty Roamed

Discover the rich history, elegant spaces, and hidden stories within the walls of Kensington Palace. From royal childhood rooms to captivating exhibitions, this iconic London landmark invites you on a journey fit for kings and queens.

Kensington Palace – South Front Entrance, WikiCommons

Kensington Palace, nestled within the lush Kensington Gardens in London, England, is a historic treasure trove steeped in over 300 years of royal history. The palace has been home to various members of the British royal family. Spend some time exploring the castle and discover its rich history, elegant architecture, and sumptuous interiors.

Queen Victoria’s Tiara, WikiCommons

Queen Victoria, one of Britain’s most iconic monarchs, was born and raised at Kensington Palace. As you step into the rooms where she spent her childhood, you’ll discover the story of a young girl destined to be queen. The Victoria: A Royal Childhood exhibit allows you to walk in her footsteps and gain insights into her formative years.

Foyer – King’s State Apartments, WikiCommons

Immerse yourself in regal history. Wander through the lavish rooms of the King’s State Apartments, each grander than the last. These opulent chambers once hosted kings, queens, and courtiers. The intricate tapestries, gilded furniture, and magnificent paintings evoke the splendor of bygone eras.

Queen Mary II’s Bedroom in the Queen’s Apartments, Kensington Palace – Historic Royal Palaces

Explore the beautiful private rooms where Mary II once dined, relaxed, and entertained in the Queen’s State Apartments. The luxurious furnishings and elegant architecture offer a glimpse into the personal lives of royalty.

Kensington Palace – Orangery, WikiCommons

The Orangery at Kensington Palace offers an indulgent Afternoon Tea experience fit for royalty. Set amidst elegant surroundings, one can savor delectable treats while basking in the palace’s ambiance. The Orangery also offers a variety of adult beverages and non-alcoholic drinks.

Remember, as you explore this historic gem, you’re treading the same halls where kings and queens once walked, where secrets whispered through centuries still linger in the air.

Kensington Place interior staircase, Kensington Palace – Historic Royal Palaces

If you’d like to explore the Grays Antique Market with us, we are heading there as part of our Antique Adventures Tour of London and Wales from August 29 through September 5, 2024. Learn more about the tour and register here.

Related:

A London Antiquing Adventure Awaits You 

Uncovering the Charms of Grays Antique Market 

Exploring the Eclectic Collections of the Sir John Soane’s Museum 

Exploring the Eclectic Collections of the Sir John Soane’s Museum

From antiquities to oddities, take a journey through Sir John Soane’s timeless legacy.

Sir John Soane’s Museum, nestled next to Lincoln’s Inn Fields in Holborn, London, is a historic house turned museum that once belonged to the eminent neo-classical architect John Soane. This extraordinary space offers a glimpse into the life and work of the visionary English architect who built and resided in the same house two centuries ago. It has been meticulously preserved to reflect its state at the time of Soane’s demise. When you step inside, prepare to be enchanted by a treasure trove of antiquities, furniture, sculptures, architectural models, and paintings.

Sir John Soane was born September 10, 1753, in Goring, Oxfordshire, England—died January 20, 1837, in London. Soane was an English architect who specialized in the Neo-Classical style. Rising to the top of his profession, he became a professor of architecture at the Royal Academy and an official architect for the Office of Works. His best-known works include the Bank of England (though much has been destroyed) and the Dulwich Picture Gallery, significantly influencing subsequent art galleries and museums. Soane’s most enduring legacy is his home, where he displayed the art and architectural artifacts he collected during his lifetime. Described as “one of the most complex, intricate, and ingenious series of interiors ever conceived,” the house museum showcases his inventive approach to design.

Sir John Soane’s Museum dome area looking up.

The heart of the museum lies in its vast collection of over 30,000 architectural drawings. These intricate blueprints highlight Soane’s creative genius and provide insight into his groundbreaking projects. As you wander through the rooms, you’ll encounter works by renowned artists such as Hogarth, Turner, and Canaletto. Their paintings grace the walls, adding an artistic dimension to the architectural marvels on display.

One of the museum’s recent highlights is the spectacular Drawing Office, which has been painstakingly restored. This historic space, the oldest surviving example of its kind, is now available for public tours for the first time in its 200-year history. Imagine standing where Soane himself once sketched his visionary designs. Additionally, the Drawing Office hosts two Artists-in-Residence each year, ensuring that Soane’s legacy of creativity continues to thrive within the museum’s walls.

Sir John Soane’s drawing office.

Sir John Soane’s Museum is a remarkable place where the past converges with the present. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, an art lover, or someone seeking inspiration, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable journey through time and imagination.

Sir John Soane portrait by Christopher William Hunneman

If you’d like to explore the Sir John Soane’s Museum with us, we are heading there as part of our Antique Adventures Tour of London and Wales from August 29 through September 5, 2024. Learn more about the tour and register here.

Related:

A London Antiquing Adventure Awaits You 

Uncovering the Charms of Grays Antique Market 

Kensington Palace Unveiled: Where Royalty Roamed 

Uncovering the Charms of Grays Antique Market

Step into the quaint lanes of Grays Antique Market, where history whispers from every corner. Discover a world where vintage treasures and timeless collectibles await to tell their tales. Experience the charm of London’s hidden antique haven.

Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, just a stone’s throw from the bustling Oxford Street, lies Grays Antique Market, a treasure trove for antique aficionados and the first stop on day one of our Antique Adventures. This London gem is renowned for its vast and varied collection of fine antiques, vintage jewelry, and exquisite art, making it a must-visit destination for anyone with a penchant for the past.

When you first enter Grays, you will be transported to a bygone era—surrounded by nearly 100 expert dealers showcasing their wares across two floors. The air is thick with history. Each treasure tells its own story, from elegant and opulent Georgian and Victorian jewelry to rare books and maps that chart the course of human knowledge and exploration.

Whether you’re in search of a unique Art Deco compact, a delicate porcelain vase, or a Roman Bronze Bangle, Grays is the place where such treasures can be found.

The sheer diversity of items on display can be both overwhelming and utterly captivating, so it’s worth doing a bit of research before visiting. Preparation will allow for a more targeted approach. You can identify the vendors carrying the collectibles you seek and ensure that you leave with a piece that truly resonates. And while the market may radiate an air of poshness, don’t hesitate to engage with the sellers. Many are open to negotiation, and a polite inquiry about the price may lead to a more favorable deal.

A visit to Grays Antique Market is more than just a shopping trip; it’s an adventure into the past, a chance to connect with history, and an opportunity to bring a piece of it home with you. Whether you leave with a small trinket or a grand heirloom, the experience of exploring Grays is a priceless addition to our London itinerary.

If you’d like to explore the Gray’s Antique Market with us, we are heading there as part of our Antique Adventures Tour of London and Wales from August 29 through  September 5, 2024. Learn more about the tour and register here.

Related:

A London Antiquing Adventure Awaits You

Exploring the Eclectic Collections of the Sir John Soane’s Museum

Kensington Palace Unveiled: Where Royalty Roamed

A London Antiquing Adventure Awaits You

Make this summer one to remember. Join Kovels Antique Trader in London on a trip of a lifetime.

Working with professional tour operators in Europe, Kovels Antique Trader has launched Antique Adventures to create unique travel experiences centered around our hobby. The first stop: London.

From August 29 through September 5, editorial director Paul Kennedy and fellow editor Kele Johnson will play host to an unforgettable antiquing experience across the pond. The tour includes stays in four-star hotels, incredible antiques and collectibles shopping, visits to amazing museums, stops at breathtaking and historic palaces, and a lot of what makes London a true city of the world.

The London tour promises a grand yet intimate experience, with space limited.

Grays Antique Market Exterior: WikiCommons

The tour includes antique fairs, flea markets, and well-known London favorites such as Grays Antique Market, home to one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of fine antiques and spectacular jewelry, and Leadenhall Market, one of the oldest markets in London, dating back as far back as the 14th century. Located in the historic center of London’s financial district, Leadenhall Market played a starring role in the Harry Potter films, making it a rather magical place for a bit of shopping.

London’s Leadenhall Market: WikiCommons

While hunting for bargains in merry old England is great fun, you can’t go to London without taking in the city’s fantastic landmarks.

Westminster Abbey

You’ll visit Westminster Abbey, an architectural masterpiece and one of the most important churches in the world. Westminster Abbey has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066 and for numerous other royal occasions, such as 16 royal weddings – including the 2011 marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton, as well as the wedding of William’s parents, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.

You’ll walk in the footsteps of kings and queens at Kensington Palace, famously the birthplace of Queen Victoria in 1819 and a royal residence for more than 300 years. Speaking of royals, we’ll also take in Buckingham Palace, one of the few working royal palaces on earth. As a matter of fact, Buckingham Palace became the official London residence of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.

Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace

While the 830,000-square-foot Palace is filled with history, perhaps the most well-known bit of pomp and circumstance takes place outside: the famed Changing of Guard. The formal ceremony at the Palace’s forecourt has been around for centuries and is not to be missed.

The Tower of London from the Thames: WikiCommons

The week will also include tours of the Tower of London, an incomparable medieval fortress and home of the Crown Jewels, and the British Museum, an architectural wonder and home to some of the world’s most noted antiquities, including the Rosetta Stone.

Established in 1550, the Mayflower Pub is the oldest pub on the Thames in London: WikiCommons

London is filled with so much history that you can drink it in while sipping a pint of Guinness, which is what you’ll do one evening at the Mayflower Pub on the River Thames. The Pub’s proprietors say that from their establishment, you can see the original 1620 mooring point of the Mayflower, the ship that carried the Pilgrims from England to Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Greenwich Market

From antique shops to flea markets, palaces to museums, incredible food to new-found friends, the London tour promises an unforgettable chapter in your life’s story.

To learn more about Antique Adventures and the complete itinerary for the London Tour, click here.

Related:

Uncovering the Charms of Grays Antique Market 

Exploring the Eclectic Collections of the Sir John Soane’s Museum 

Kensington Palace Unveiled: Where Royalty Roamed