In 2015 we're addressing another popular promise:this year I will do more culture!
Well we're always pleased to help here at The DC. This January & February will be dedicated to pointing London Walkers and Daily Constitutionalists in the direction of LONDON'S BEST MUSEUMS.
We've canvassed the London Walks guides, asking them to nominate their desert island museum and we'll be posting their responses throughout the month.
As usual, you are more than welcome to join in! Get in touchvia Facebook, orTwitteror viathe usual email address.
Hang on to your (stovepipe) hats, folks, here's Robert...
I am so glad you asked! If I could take one London Museum to a desert island, it would be The Brunel Museum because it has a secret underground chamber, in case it got too hot out there above ground. London Walks take you there five times a week with 'Brunel's London' and 'Mayflower to Brunel's Tunnel'. The Brunel Museum travels well because it is an International Historic Landmark. Also what the Victorians called the 'Eighth Wonder of the World!'
More important, I need to clear something up about museums. Forget display cases, ancient coins and bits of broken pottery, 'museum' actually means 'House of the Muses'. In other words 'House of Inspiration'.
There are nine muses and they are alive and well and live in a secret underground chamber at The Brunel Museum. Say Brunel Museum, say Inspiration.
Calliope Muse of epic poetry
Brunel Museum home to epic verse, as in Ode to M Brunel by Thomas Hood
How prospers now thy mighty undertaking,
To join by a hollow way the Bankside friends
Of Rotherhithe and Wapping
Brunel Museum above the Oldest Tunnel in the Oldest Underground System in the World. Birthplace of the tube, birthplace of the World City.
Euterpe Muse of flutes and lyric poetry (and hang drums)
Brunel Museum stages Concerts, Pop Up opera and jazz in the underground chamber, including Manu Delago the best hang drum player in the world
Thalia Muse of comedy and pastoral poetry
Brunel Museum relaunches the Hellfire Club with Martin Soane (Greatest Show on Legs), and a regular stand up night follows shortly also as in Poem by Alan Gilbey
Brunel Road in Rotherhithe is often pronounced Brunnel,
as if to bond it closer to the men who built the tunnel.
Perhaps when they say tunnel then, they ought to say too-nell,
as if to bond it closer to the family Brunel?
Melpomene Muse of tragedy
Brunel Museum no stranger to tragedy. In 1828 six men died in this chamber, and Isambard Kingdom Brunel nearly drowned. Also as in our recent promenade performance Othello by William Shakespeare: young bride killed in tragic misunderstanding over laundry.
Terpsichore Muse of dance
Brunel Museum hosts Kings Cross Hot Jazz Band and Flamenco and tap dance on special advertised days
Erato Muse of love poetry
Brunel Museum directly above the 'Tunnel of Love' where IK Brunel met and romanced a famous actress called Fanny Kemble. Special amorous events here every year, every Valentine's Day
Polyhymnia Muse of sacred poetry
Brunel Museum keen observer of ritual. On 17th January we celebrate Wassail, an old and sacred ceremony. We dance around fruit trees in the garden, recite poetry at them and give them a good kicking which ensures they will produce cider.
Brunel's earliest commission was to build a telescope (he also built watches).
Dig deep for Brunel Muses, Dig deep for Inspiration.
Brunel's London walk & boat trip every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. Mayflower to Brunel's Tunnel walk every Sunday, Wednesday.
The Editor simply adds: Phew!
Robert is allowed to drive sheep across London Bridge. An Oxford graduate, he's an actor, museum director, author and holder of the Freedom. Let alone the first person since Brunel to organise an underwater fair. He's got the keys.
Here's how to find the Brunel Museum...
A London Walk costs £9 - £7 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com
