Old and new

Hatfield House just north of London has a remarkable new sculpture outside, completed just last year. I don't think I've ever seen such a contrast between old and new, particularly when you think this place has a pedigree going back to the 16th century. There is some very interesting art in the house, a lot of it by Dutch painters, and mostly of historical figures from the  Cecil family history and royalty of the time. There are two paintings of Elizabeth the first including the famous ermine portrait, and a remarkable "storyboard" painting of Adam and Eve.

We chose this deliberately as a day out as it is only fifteen minutes from the veterinary hospital near Potters Bar that Dylan is in. He is being well looked after and all being good will be discharged home on Monday.

LOOKING BACK

Two years ago we were at the equally impressive Foreign and Commonwealth Office