The first warning bell rang during the opening act. The audience responded with a polite murmur. A hefty man sitting in the back let out a loud grunt, several ladies rummaged through their handbags, fumbling to find the elusive silent mode button on their phones.
How Superman captured Hitler and Stalin in 1940
In 1940, Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster crafted a comic strip for Look magazine, portraying the Man of Steel as a World War II hero.
Peter the Great gets a Ukrainian paint job
In Deptford, there’s a monument to Peter the Great crafted by Mikhail Shemyakin. Viewing it, much like encountering the artist’s other works, is a challenge that often leaves observers tearful—not from the depth of emotion it might inspire, but rather from its sheer lack of appeal. However, in a bold statement marking the anniversary of… Read more Peter the Great gets a Ukrainian paint job
Beyond the stones: Discovering Hadrian’s Wall
I can’t quite pinpoint when Hadrian’s Wall first entered my life. Was it a line in a book, a fleeting image on a TV show, or perhaps a fragment of a history lesson that lodged itself in the corners of my mind? The origin of this fascination remains shrouded in mystery, but the obsession it sparked is apparent.
Ranger’s House: A walk through time at Greenwich Park
This red-brick beauty, though simple in appearance, has housed a remarkable array of famous tenants over the years, from naval officers to members of the royal family.
Unlocking London: My journey through the Open House Festival
In September 2023, I explored London’s hidden corners at the Open House Festival, an annual event that unveils the city’s usually closed spaces. From architectural wonders to historical nooks, London laid bare its secrets, and I was there to capture my fleeting impressions.
How Vladimir Putin stole cookies from a Scottish bakery
The most memorable takeaway for Putin personally from the UK trip probably wasn’t a business deal but a spontaneous theft from a Scottish bakery they were courting for business in Leningrad.
A look back: When Russia’s time zones were front-page news
Regrettably, Dmitry Medvedev didn’t heed my advice. It wasn’t his first mistake, and certainly not his last.
Osborne House: A royal retreat amidst time and tranquility
Osborne House was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s haven away from the formalities of court routine. This personal aspect sets it apart from ordinary royal residences, as it was designed to provide respite and a sense of familial intimacy.
Eltham Palace: Where art deco splendor marries the past and future
Eltham Palace began as a medieval royal residence with a magnificent Great Hall. However, by the early 20th century, the palace had fallen into disrepair—just like Stonehenge. Then, Stephen and Virginia Courtauld stepped in, reimagining Eltham Palace as a canvas for their unique vision.