Kevin spent the first half of last year studying for his Certificate in Fundraising with the Institute of Fundraising. After lots of hard work he was awarded a merit and today we went up to London for his graduation ceremony. The big event didn’t start until 7pm so we decided to make a day of it and do a spot of sightseeing beforehand. We started off with a trip along the River Thames on one of the Clipper river buses, riding on the open air platform at the back to get the best view. It’s a wonderful way to travel through London as you see all the major landmarks and it’s fascinating to see the variety of architecture along the river’s banks. We eventually arrived in Greenwich and after a leisurely lunch we took a stroll around the Old Royal Naval College in the sunshine. We decided that our highlight of the afternoon was the Painted Hall. This amazing room, originally a dining hall for naval veterans, was painted from floor to ceiling by James Thornhill during the early years of the eighteenth century and it was here that Horatio Nelson’s body was brought to lie in state before his funeral in St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1806. It really is the most astonishing sight and very reminiscent of the decoration we’ve seen in churches in Florence and Sienna. I attempted to capture its magnificence with my wide angle lens (I even laid flat on the floor to capture as much as possible, much to the amusement of other visitors!) but none of those shots seemed to have as much impact as the two detail shots I’ve posted here.

Great set Helen. I love Greenwich, I think it's a fantastic place. Unfortunately I spend too much time around Embankment to enjoy it. Jarvo · 2012-05-29: 17:09

Fantastic set and I have added number 1 to my favs. I have been teaching the kids at work a little about London and we were painting London buses last week.Wish I'd had your photo to show as it is brilliant! elizzi · 2012-05-29: 17:14

Beautiful set... LAZYWASP · 2012-05-29: 18:10

i really love #2! jennyLit · 2012-05-29: 18:42

great set. My fav is the last one. classic but still a winner slowpete · 2012-05-30: 01:31

I like this eclectique and instructive set. The architecture, the colors and the light are splendid. I put the last one in my favorites for the grand perspective and the solitude (contemplative?) of this man on the bench josy63 · 2012-05-30: 02:12

A magnificent show Helen. And congrats to Kevin for a job well done. Oh how I wish I could see a shot of you on the floor!!!! danrav · 2012-05-30: 05:06

Great shots, like esp. the ceiling and the last one! Wasichseh · 2012-05-30: 16:35

Tagged: architecture greenwich river thames