Coming this Week at "Stalking the Belle Époque"

The Palazzo Spada

Our journey this week will take us to a variety of interesting places as we continue our exploration of beauty both past and present.


We’ll take a trip to Rome to visit the Palazzo Spada and its famed art collection. While in Italy, we’ll also be entertained by a Pulcinella show as we examine the roots of Britain’s beloved Mr. Punch.



The Lesser George

Our voyage into Queen Victoria’s world will give us a glimpse at her magnificent hand-painted piano and we’ll, once again, open her cherished collection of personal jewelry to have a look at the magnificent insignia known as “The Lesser George.”

As always, we’ll study trends in design through the ages to see how artists and craftsmen of the past have influenced the objects that we use every day. We’ll be treated to a look at a fantastic contemporary portrait artist and see how the work of Sir Edwin Landseer served as a reference point for her original compositions.

A tour of my personal collection of antiques will reveal some unusual furnishings, art glass, metal work and paintings. And, we’ll take another look at the British Museum as we discover what is, perhaps, their most bizarre artifact. A visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum will afford a rare look at an early Twentieth Century collection of Punch and Judy Puppets and we’ll see how Mr. Punch was a model for many of the toys that we all played with as children.



Bette Davis

 Our nod to classic films will include two of Bette Davis’ finest performances. We’ll meet "Charlotte Vale" from Now, Voyager and learn more about another, lesser-known Davis film which also stars Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn.



Punch and Judy Collection



You’ll still be able to submit your nominations for both Humanitarian of the Year and Person of the Year as well as have an opportunity to read a preview of my upcoming novel, The Cages of Marionneaux. Of course, Punch’s Cousin will continue with Chapter 97 as our heroes journey to New Orleans for the Cages’ Masquerade Ball. With all of our characters in one place—in disguises, no less—some dramatic things are bound to happen.

Many thanks to all of you who come here each day to stalk the Belle Époque with me. We’ve got a lot of excitement ahead!