The Spanish Gallery - and C and D

Another busy day. Our visitors surfaced in time for a cup tea before we left at 9.30 (they don’t eat breakfast) for the 1.5 hour drive to Bishop Auckland. Prior to going I checked the Spanish Gallery would be open which it was. I shouldn’t have assumed the palace would also be open. It was closed to decorate for Xmas.

However we spent 2.5 hours in the Spanish Gallery so there wouldn’t have been time to do both. Fortunately Carole loved it although Spanish art is not her thing. They had, among others, Goya, Velasquez, el Greco and Cano. The staff were so knowledgeable and spent time explaining different pieces to us. The regeneration of the town as a result of the millions spent by the benefactor (Jonathan Ruffer) impressed her.

It was very quiet there but a couple came in and when the young chap was explaining the 3 paintings of the King of Spain and his son wearing the Order of the Golden Fleece they said their relative had been the Grand Master and had worn the order once worn by Metternich. What strange things we find out.

We had a scone and a coffee in a cafe, and a quick walk to the outside of the palace before we had to leave. I had hoped to have time to go to the Miners’ Gallery as they have some Norman Cornish. Next time.

They wanted to see the Emily Davison blue plaque in Longhorsley. They suggested I contact the people who list Thankful Villages as it appears it should be on the list, having lost no one in either world wars and therefore one of the few villages without a war memorial.

Now I must sort out dinner as Linda, Colin and Chris are coming. Our visitors have gone upstairs for a rest but when she appears I’ll ask Carole to set the table!