Romeo and Juliet at The Royal Opera House: it’s coming!

Posted on September 25, 2013February 25, 2018 by Dukes Blog

Mid-October marks the debut of the Royal Ballet’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless romantic tragedy; Romeo and Juliet at the beautiful London Royal Opera House.

The classic play combines the themes of power within society and the inevitability of fate in this ultimate tale of forbidden love. The Royal Ballet’s performance highlights the plight of the two star-crossed lovers as they embark on their love affair in the form of a stunning ballet.

Choreographed by the esteemed Kenneth MacMillan, this version of Romeo and Juliet focuses on the ‘emotional and psychological intensity at the heart of the tale’. Widely known as his masterpiece, MacMillan’s interpretation of Romeo and Juliet first arrived at Covent Garden in 1965, and has been performed worldwide over 400 times.

The much-loved play begins its seven week-long programme on Saturday 19^th October, and tickets are already selling out. Book your tickets and make a weekend of it by staying with us at DUKES – and making use of one of our many room and suite offers!

Image courtesy of FA2010

The PAD Art and Design Fair 2013: a must-see for art lovers

Posted on September 17, 2013February 25, 2018 by Dukes Blog

The 16^th to the 20^th of October sees the arrival of prestigious art and design fair – PAD – to Mayfair. Regarded as ‘the best’ by art-lovers and keen collectors worldwide, this year’s fair is set to be even more of a success than the last, owing to its varied range of the very finest art.

For five days, the beautiful Berkeley Square will transform itself into the most stylish residence for a vast collection of modern art, design and photography, sourced from a collection of top international galleries.

The popular event enables art enthusiasts to view and purchase items of museum quality with a history of their own, while the winner of the much coveted 2013 PAD prize will be announced on the VIP opening on the 15^th October.

For those who wish to discover the most iconic and innovative products available on today’s market, the PAD fair is not to be missed. Admission is free, and the event takes place from 11am – 8pm, Wednesday 16th October until Saturday 20th October 2013 in Berkeley Square.

Of course, if you’re looking to stay in London, check into one of DUKES London’s suites just around the corner and make the most of the experience.

Image courtesy of Paul Farmer

Discover: ‘Lowry and the Painting of Modern Life’

Posted on September 13, 2013February 25, 2018 by Dukes Blog

For those who consider themselves to be art enthusiasts, an exciting exhibition celebrating the works of much-loved British painter L. S. Lowry, has arrived at the Tate Britain.

Lowry and the Painting of Modern Life displays a wealth of the artist’s urban scenes and industrial landscapes, making the exhibition the first of its kind held by a public institution in London since the artist’s death.

The extensive collection of Lowry’s works does much to demonstrate the painter’s contribution to art history and his matter-of-fact view of working-class society during the 20^th century. The exhibition also features interesting insights into Lowry’s connection to French painting styles and the extent of the influence of his French-born teacher, Adolphe Valette. Labelled “exhibition of the year” the Lowry collection is one to be seen by art and history enthusiasts alike.

Exhibition highlights include Lowry’s Coming out of School (1927) and the enigmatic The Pond (1950).

Of course, to complement your cultural afternoon at the Tate, why not treat yourself to our beautiful DUKES LONDON afternoon tea to relax and refresh?

Image courtesy of Rept0n1x

Fashion Rules at Kensington Palace: a truly royal outfit

Posted on September 5, 2013February 25, 2018 by Dukes Blog

This year, the picturesque Kensington Palace has added an exciting new collection to its existing exhibitions. ‘Fashion Rules’ is a beautiful display of regal, designer dresses worn by Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales throughout the years.

The exhibition follows the evolution of royal fashion starting from the Queen’s glamorous engagement dresses of the 50s right up to the brightly-coloured ball gowns worn by Princess Diana in the 80s.

The entire range of designer dresses is displayed alongside film and photography from the period to set the scene of fashion trends at the time. Vogue covers adorn the walls alongside the 21 never-seen-before dresses showing how the outfits reflected the trends of the moment; being both fashionable and suitable for royal attire. A firm favourite among visitors is the stunning red gown worn by Princess Diana in Saudi Arabia in 1986.

Whether fashionista, royalist or historian, this exhibition, named “the most interesting, elegant exhibition of Kensington Palace” has much to offer all audiences by giving an interesting and engaging insight into the history of royal fashion over the past 60 years.

A brilliant exhibition, after absorbing the art and culture, come and relax in DUKES London: enjoy our afternoon tea, a three course meal or simply a ‘James Bond’ martini in our bar!