Victoria's Day One in London, Part Three

After our visit to Horse Guards and watching its ceremonies, I was eager to visit the antique dealer  Mallett in Ely House in Mayfair. This is the location of their London showrooms, featuring an exhibition "The Age of Elegance".  My every expectation was exceeded by this outstanding collection of objects  from an 18th c. townhouse, displayed in the magnificence of Ely House, built for the Bishop of Ely in 1770, and now the site of the Mallett London showrooms.

Mallett, 37 Dover Street, Mayfair

Ed enjoyed it too -- at least he said he did, though I could see him calculating if he dared to sit on one of the delicate antique chairs.  He didn't, though we did find him a seat after a while.  We were escorted by Ms Gina Hamilton, who was gracious enough to show us around.  We had tried to clean off our dusty shoes at the doorstep, but I suspect she did not view us as prospective clients.

The Saloon

 

Everything was for sale, and again, I so wished I had won the lottery.  And pledged to buy a ticket the next time it got up to hundreds of millions.  (Note: I haven't yet!)

 

 

The interior is beautifully lit by large windows on the staircase.

 

 

Two views of the graceful staircase.

 

The Venetian Room

 

William And Mary Cabinet 

Above is a Cabinet of Oyster Veneer and Floral Marquetry on a stand, English, ca. 1690. 

 

 

Japanned Bureau-Cabinet

 Early 18th c., black and gilt, from Germany

 

The Grey Room

 

 

A feast for the eye, indeed.  You can have hours of enjoyment by surfing the website of Mallett both in London and New York.

 

Saying a heartfelt thank-you and a reluctant good-bye to Ms. Hamilton, we departed. 

 

"Time for lunch," Ed noted

 

"I have just the place," I said quickly. "And it's only a short walk." At least, I hoped it would be a short walk -- and it was, to the restaurant Kristine and Greg enjoyed a few months before, Burger and Lobster.

 

The Lansdowne Club

 

On the way, we passed the Lansdowne Club, in the part of Lansdowne House that remained after the building was partially demolished in the early 1930's to put through Fitzmaurice Street, connecting Curzon Street with Berkeley Square.  Read more about the club and the history of the building here.

 

 

Agreements which ended the  American Revolution were made on the premises.

 

Gordon Selfridge lived here in the 1920's.

 

 

If you are a watcher of Mr. Selfridge on PBS, in future episodes I suspect he will move to Lansdowne House where he held famous (infamous?) parties.  Ever heard of the Dolly Sisters?

 

 

 

Burger and Lobster, 29 Clarges Street, Mayfair

 

 

Our table awaits

 

The restaurant was crowded and the food delicious.  Ed was again delighted to be off his feet and able to take refreshment.  Gin, as I recall.  The décor is very avant, and reminded me of the latest trendy restaurant at home -- skylights, lots of clear lightbulbs on long cords, draped into groups, solid, simple furniture. The burgers were thick and juicy, the lobster delicate and tasty.  We both loved it, but eventually we had to surrender our comfy spot to the waiting hordes..

 

As always, when wandering Mayfair, many of the buildings had blue plaques noting former residents. 

 

 

46 Clarges Street was  once the home of Charles James Fox, the ultimate Whig and the bane of many a Tory.  Appropriately, it is now the home of The Fox Club.

 

 

 

The Fox Club

 

After another visit to Boots Pharmacy, Ed headed to Green Park Station to catch a Victoria tube back to St. Pancras.  He could spend the remainder of the afternoon in the hotel soaking his foot and napping.  As for me, I had an Agenda!!! After all, I was in LONDON!!! Details coming soon.