A Grand Day Out - Robots, The V&A and a Queen Anne Doll

We have just had a most excellent day out in London, which is always tiring and the trains are a mess but very worthwhile.  We went specifically so my daughter, Rebecca, could see the exhibition 'Robots' at the Science Museum.  As a sculptor interested in form this exhibition was invaluable to her and I have to say I quite enjoyed it as well.  There was a whole heap of famous robots, Maria from Fritz Lang's Metropolis was my favourite, there was even a Terminator looking very menacing. The technical working robots were intriguing, some even seemed vaguely self aware and I have to say some were slightly creepy, the wall of eyes that follow your movements is a very strange sensation.  As an experience I would recommend it, not particularly child friendly but interesting non the less.  

 Having spend the afternoon with robots after tea we spent the evening with underwear.  As an extra treat because the V&A is open until 10pm on a Friday I got to see 'Undressed - A Brief History of Underwear'.  Now this exhibition I can highly recommend, you will however have to be quick it finishes on Sunday 12th but it is most excellent.  The V&A have the lightest touch and an ability to make the most mundane subject fascinating.  The exhibition started at around 1700 and went all the way to the present.  There are corsets of every type, even maternity corsets which beggars belief, knickers galore and the origins of modern lingerie.  It was great and I loved every minute.

However was day was made when tucked into a corner I spotted this amazing Queen Anne doll. These are all Becca's photos and hasn't she done a good job.  The doll was from around 1755 to 1760, her body was wooden and her clothing was cotton, linen and silk. Her tiny watch was gilt braid, paper and glass and she was lovely.  Her condition was so good she looked quite fresh, her painted face was clear and crack free and her dress was in excellent repair.  I would have loved an hour alone with her to have a good old nosey up close but sadly she was out of reach behind glass.  Every thing about her spoke of quality, the embroidery pattern on her gown to her little ribbon hat was perfectly placed and styled. She was a real treat. So if you happen to find yourself in London before Sunday pop into the V&A for a very interesting few hours, they even have a pair of Queen Victoria's mums knickers.