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Author
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Topic: "Arms and Armour from the Movies" at RA Leeds
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Peter Lyon
Member
Member # 232
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posted 07-19-2008 05:00 PM
    
Apologies if this seems a little off-topic, but I would like to take this chance to let everyone here know about the exhibition at Leeds, which is already on and going until November. Details here: http://www.wonderfulworldofweta.co.uk/index.html I also have an ulterior motive; as part of the exhibition I will be doing talks and workshops at the Armouries for the first three weekends in September, and during the days between I will be travelling around with my wife, Helen. This is our first trip to the UK so we don't know much about the geography, touring etc, but we are looking forward to the whole experience. We plan to hire a small car and visit Glasgow, Edinburgh, York and London during our time there, especially museums for me, and general touring and soaking up the history (in New Zealand, European settlement only dates back to 1780ish and Maori settlement to 1280ish, so the New Zealand concept of "history" is quite different from European concepts!). We are hoping that we might be able to stay with people with an interest in history and films in each of our stops; if this idea interests you, please PM me about it. We can support ourselves and pay our way so we won't be a burden, and we can offer stories of our experiences in return. Also, I hope to get some access to stuff behind the scenes at several armouries, including the Glasgow Museums, Wallace Collection, RA Leeds, and the Met on our return trip via New York. If there are particular pieces that you think I should be looking at (swords, especially medieval European swords, are my speciality, but I have an interest in pre-17th century arms in general) please post the details. If there are pieces that you would particularly like me to post photos and other details of, ask away and I will see what I can do.
Registered: Oct 2001 | IP: Logged
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Gwen
Member
Member # 126
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posted 07-21-2008 05:10 PM
York is 20 minutes by train, and I suggest using it if you're based in Leeds, as parking can be a pain in York. Even London is only 4 hours by train, and with the price of petrol compared to the cost of a prearranged train ticket, doing an overnighter in London via train might be the way to go. Also, there's the astronomical 'Congestion fees" charged for driving in the center of London to consider. I'll ask Jeff to post a link to the place to book your ticket online so you have it if you choose to use it.Look into Jet Blue or BMI Baby for cheap hoppers to Glasgow and Edinburgh- there again, probably cheaper than driving. B&Bs are better than any of the chain hotels. If you can do a FarmStay, you won't regret it. In York, make time to visit Newgate Market whilst in York. I think there is something about shopping at an open air market that is just amazing. Walking the York walls is exhilarating, and evensong in York Minster is very humbling, even if you're not particularly religious. Really wonderful energy in York Minster. In Leeds, there's a great Italian place on Bridge Street, across the corner from the Golden Lion. Great food, great prices. If you're domiciled near the Armouries, there's a Tesco Express behind the Armouries car park for shopping. Better selection than YumYum on Wharf Street, but the bread and noshies at Simpson's on Dock Street are nicer. I have always found the clerks at Simpson's to be extremely sympathetic to travellers. They plundered their back counter stash of toothpicks and cups for Leslie and me one night when we were pre-party buying and the shop didn't have what we wanted offered on the shelves. I highly recommend Ainsleys for tea pies and slices. Conveniently located on every second corner, I especially like the potato and onion slices. Yumm. Now I'm really bummed that I don't get to go back until November.  Have fun!!! Gwen
Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged
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