Study Tour-April 15-23, 2012

In 1997, I organized and led a study tour for the Costume Society of Ontario to England.  That tour was a huge success and so, 15 years later, I am ready to go back again.  If you don't know, next year is the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and this tour promises to be the opportunity of a lifetime!  Special exhibits and access to go behind the scenes, along with the birthday celebrations of the Queen herself are all offered on this unique tour devoted to Costume and Textile study.

Itinerary:

Sunday April 15, 2012:  Depart from Toronto for an overnight flight to London. (Or contact travel agent to arrange for earlier weekend departure + accommodation and enjoy London on your own before our weeks events begin).

Monday April 16, 2012:  Arrive London and transfer to hotel.  Today we visit Kensington Palace for 3 very special exhibits.  Welcome dinner included.

Balmoral walking dress of Victoria, 1855

"Victoria Revealed" will explore the world of the princess, queen and future empress through her clothing and other royal artifacts.  What better venue than her childhood home to explore her world.  Walk through the corridors and spaces that haven't changed since she was a girl!

"Jubilee-The-View From The Crowd" captures the celebration of Queen Victoria's own Diamond Jubilee of 1897 from the perspective of the lens and publications of the day.  Artifacts will allow for the comparison between the two jubilees of Victoria and Elizabeth.

Installing exhibit 

"Wildworks"  Contemporary British designers create fashions based on the personalities of past princesses who have inhabited Kensington Palace.  From Queen Anne (1702-1714) through to Diana, Princess of Wales, (1961-1997) This exhibit is sure to generate some conversation amongst your fellow travelers.







Tuesday April 17, 2012:  The Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace is our host today.  We will be given a special 2 hour guided presentation followed by access to the new exhibit, "Royal Connections".  This exhibit focuses on the needlework created by members of the royal family!  Queen Mary is sure to be the star of this show.  She was an accomplished embroiderer.   Plenty of free time to explore the palace and grounds later.  Being late April, the gardens should be lovely. Breakfast included.

Wednesday April 18, 2012:  An early start today as we head toward Manchester to visit the Gallery of English Costume at Platt Hall.  This collection is second only in its' scope and depth to that of the Victoria and Albert Museum.  Over 20,000 articles related to dress are in their collection.  We view the permanent galleries on our own.  Then back to London.  Tonight, why not join me on one of my London walks?  A very different city at night.  Breakfast included.

A chronological display of the history of fashion is on view at Platt Hall.  These museums are very generous in allowing photography in their galleries! Contrary to how we feel here in North America.







Thursday April 19, 2012:  Another early start today as we venture out to the UNESCO world heritage city of Bath Spa.  Truly an architectural gem and home to the renowned Museum of Costume.  With a collection on display that covers over 300 years of dress and artifacts you are sure to be pleased with your day.  We will also have the opportunity for a behind the scenes visit to the Costume Research facilities.  The staff are preparing to dig out some real treasures for our visit.  Still time to visit this remarkable city which includes textile and antique dealers shops before we return to London.  Breakfast included.

Museum entrance at the Pump rooms of Robert Adam

1660 dress of cloth of gold

The museum also offers theme based shows in its rotating gallery, such as this previous show on the work of designer Bill Gibb.

Friday April 20, 2012:  Two venues are visited today.  For the theatre lover, a tour of the famous Globe Theatre and then afterwards, it's out to Greenwich and the Fan Museum.  An afternoon tea is ours to enjoy today at the Orangery located at the museum. Breakfast included.

Typical display at Fan Museum

The Orangery for Tea

Globe Theatre

Theatre costumes on display at the Globe Theatre.  For those of you interested in recreating as I am, the work here is truly astounding and, for me, humbling.

Saturday April 21, 2012:  The Queen's Birthday today!  All of London is sure to be a buzz.  The day is free for you to take part in the festivities.  See the royal family progress through the city on their way to a special service at St. Paul's Cathedral.  Hate crowds, not a royalist?  Then spend the day hunting through the flea markets and vintage clothing shops of the city or visit the many world famous retailers, such as Liberty or Harrod's.  You still have many more art galleries and museums at your disposal today.  This is our last day so make the most of it. Breakfast included.

Merchandising students at Alfie's

The textile department at Liberty

Vintage fashion in Portobello Market

Sunday April 22, 2012:  Another free day to attend to your loose ends.  Breakfast included

Monday April 23, 2012:  Today the tour returns back to Toronto OR add on a few days to continue on your own personal odyssey.  Breakfast included.

Tour Includes:
Return air fare Toronto Pearson International to London Gatwick
Twin bedded, 4 * accommodation with private bath, centrally located in London
Breakfast daily
Welcome dinner
Afternoon Tea at the Fan Museum
One week London Transit card for unlimited travel-all zones
Private motor coach to Manchester and Bath Spa
Entrance fees as high lighted on itinerary

Tour Cost:  $2270.00 Canadian dollars per person based on double occupancy
Land Only:  $1565.00 Canadian dollars per person based on double occupancy
Deposit:  $500.00
Cancellation insurance is strongly recommended at time of booking
Final Payment due:  on or before February 10, 2012

For complete details including terms and conditions contact:
Worldwide Central Travel (2007) Ltd.
295 Weber Street North, Unit 3
Waterloo, Ontario N2J 3H8
(888) 667-8881 Toll free
www.worldwide.on.ca
e-mail to:  joseph@worldwide.on.ca
TICO Ont Lic. #50016255


Note:  For those participants not traveling through Toronto,  or wishing to use air miles points, the Land only option is recommended.  If you choose this option, the office can still arrange your departure details from anywhere worldwide, as well as, extra nights accommodation in London.  I would strongly advise arriving a day or two early in London to get over jet lag before we begin our tour on Monday  April 16, 2012.