This was the last week of classes. With the expectation of a new baby from Prince Williams and Princess Kate, the class took another field trip on Tuesday to Buckingham Palace to see the baby. Unfortunately when the class reached the palace, the gates were surrounded by people; it was difficult for anyone to get a shot of the gate even. Therefore, it was even more difficult to get a glimpse of the queen or the princess and her new baby. Nevertheless, I managed to take pictures of the gate and the surrounding beauty of the area. The class also walked to St. James’ Park which was nearby and I snapped some photos. I especially enjoyed the birdlife at St. James’ Park. The park was filled with types of birds most prevalent throughout Britain, and for the first time, I saw a swan! Other than the amazing birdlife, I saw the London’s Eye at a distance from the park.
The main reason for the field trip was to go to the National Art Gallery at Trafalgar Square which is what the class later attended to. The gallery was very educational with paintings of fashion/style from 1500’s to recent times! The paintings mostly brought the clothes we studied to life, showing more context along with hairstyles and societal statuses of the wearers. The class explored the royal way of dress, the scholar, and middle/working class ways of dress of London. It was very educational seeing how outfits can be elaborated and decorated to express high status, but torn-down and humbled to express poverty or lack of money. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the National Art Gallery.
At the end of the class (Thursday), the class had to turn in final essays on whatever essay topic chosen. The essay was a lot of work, but I realized I learned a whole lot in the class. I had so much fun learning about fashion in these four weeks(to my surprise)! Too bad the fun is over for now until I begin my next class. Also, the class was not as rigorous as the Americans stereotype the British classes; it was surprisingly relaxing and fun!
Location: Buckingham Palace, London; Trafalgar Square, London