Cutlers' Hall

Today we've been in London  for what has become an annual Christmas  treat. First, to the National Gallery where we visited the  Vincent Van Gogh "Poets and Lovers" exhibition. There  are 61 paintings, assembled  from galleries around the  world, representing  the last few years of Van Gogh's life. They include two  "Sunflowers" paintings and his Yellow Chair. We though it was excellent, although at times there were signs of a genius, but very troubled mind, as some were painted when Van Gogh was in a mental  hospital in St Remy. 
(We were able to go straight in, being members of the National Gallery, but it was fully booked today, otherwise.)
Then  we went on to Cutlers' Hall in Warwick Lane, for lunch with 21  friends from the Spectacle Makers Company, in the Hall's dining room. ( We have all served or still serve on the Spec Makers' social committee.) The Hall was built in 1888, and has a much larger Livery Hall for bigger events but the dining room is just the perfect size for our Christmas lunch. My blip shows the elegant fireplace. I don't know how often they light the fire nowadays.
After a festive time, we walked back to Waterloo as it became dark., to take our train home. See extra