Tag Archives: Art

Hawaiʻi – a kingdom crossing oceans review

March 11, 2026 Govvy 1 Comment

On right now in the British Museum is the Hawaiʻi exhibit A Kingdom Crossing Oceans, which is available until 25 May 2026.

I enjoyed the exhibit and found it easy to navigate, although for me there wasn’t enough art on display. But what was there was of fantastic quality. The quality and craftsmanship really do stand out, from the headdresses and cloaks to everyday objects.

You have a story starting with showing off the crafts and wares of the island, then straight to a letter sent to the then king of England (George III) to confirm that the English crown would help protect the island nation. The king was presented with a rather large cloak, finely crafted.

This then swiftly flows into the voyage of King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu across the seas, visiting many places on the way, reaching all the way to England. They managed to explore some of England and experience London, but behinds the scenes they were sadly mocked which can only be described as racism. Sadly, it didn’t end well for the pair, as they died from measles in their 20s and never got their engagement with the King of England at the time. They were left in their hotel with many of the objects they brought with them, and when the king found out what had happened, he organised a ship to return them home.

However, it is clear from the exhibit that England never did truly protect Hawaii, as America eventually conquered the island, dispelling the last of the royal family in what sounds like an imperialistic fashion, and in the last century the island became the 50th state of America.

My own little thought at the end: I pondered, should they get their independence back?

4 out of 5

Creepy fella, almost looks like it might have children’s milk teeth!

A healing bowl imbedded with human teeth from past chiefs

Exploration

Sir John Soanes Museum

May 28, 2016 Govvy Leave a comment

13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3BP

How many people have heard of Sir John Soane or know who he is? An architect born in the 16th century the son of a brick layer established himself as one of the greats of British architecture. He went on to collect many paintings, various pieces of architecture, different types of curious objects and even managed to acquire the sarcophagus of Seti I when the British Museum couldn’t afford it.

The museum is his old London home next to a nice little park in Holburn. It’s free to visit and I would recommend it is well worth it.

Art

The Wallace Collection

January 23, 2016 Govvy Leave a comment

Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN

In the heart of London is another museum you can walk in for free like the British Museum or the National Gallery, but unless you have a tourist book you might not even know it exists.

Once you walk around Manchester Square you might not notice on first glance as there doesn’t look like much activity next to the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. But you will see the banner behind the open cast iron gates to see the collection. You can join the free tour or view the house in your own time.

Once inside you will see treasures the biggest galleries in the world would love to get hold of.

This collection acquired over the years by the Marquesses of Hertford then additions added to the collection from Sir Richard Wallace the son of the 4th Marquess. In 1897 his wife Lady Wallace with no heir bequeathed the collection to the British nation.

Unlike a National Trust property the house doesn’t look lived in as there are no bedrooms, sitting room of any type. Instead you will see that it’s one big museum gallery with a weapons room, display rooms and an art collection with rooms that rivals the National Gallery.

In you go on the tour you will learn more about parts of the collection and see painting done by masters such as Sir Anthony Van Dyck, Titian, Rembrandt, Velázquez and others.

I was highly impressed with the collection and recommend everyone who have an interest in history, art or ancient weapons to have a look.