Visit to Keats House

[Malia]

Loch Lomond, which Keats walked by on his tour with Brown . . .


And finally, Burns Cottage--we only got an outside view of its backside, unfortunately. It was closed for remodeling when we chanced a visit.

[BrokenLyre]

Thank you Malia for the incredible pictures!! The beauty was truly captured by your photos. I was especially moved by the Keats house with the red foliage in front and Loch Lomond. It just stunned me to see this. I could see Keats in my mind sitting to draw the Lock for his brothers.... What a privilege you had. The day looked lovely - and Hampstead Heath!! Oh what a sight to see them walk down those lanes.

These are keepers.
Thank you!!

[Saturn]

Lovely pictures Malia, thanks for sharing them.

[Raphael]

Thaanks for the wonderful photos Malia! I particuarly loved the one of you outside his wondow and the pathways in the Heath.I plan to go the the House myself in Spring/Summer. I've never been to Scotland either- but always wanted to go.

[BrokenLyre]

You go Raphael! I would love to hear your take on your visit too! That would be fun.

[Raphael]

You go Raphael! I would love to hear your take on your visit too! That would be fun.

Believe me BL- I'll be harping on about it for months afterwards

[Malia]

I'm looking forward to reading your impressions of Keats House, Raphael!

[Raphael]

I'm looking forward to reading your impressions of Keats House, Raphael!

Keep your fingers crossed I get a paid job soon so I can go Malia- I've been in unpaid work for nearly 2 years...

p.s What is the shop like in Keats House ? Can one buy prints of dear JK?

[Saturn]

The shop is small, but nice. You can get mugs, books, postcards, CDs, and other touristy bric-a-brac but mostly tasteful.

[Malia]

Yes, as Saturn says, the shop is extremely small and is located in what was the dining area of Fanny's side of the house. (When I visited in '95, the room was set up as a dining area and the gift shop was located in the basement.) Although my memory might not be accurate, I thought there was more merchandise for sale back in '95. For instance, there were several posters of Keats for sale--but I didn't see *any* on my trip in November. There is a bookcase with new books on Keats and another containing used books for sale. Like Saturn says, most of the items for sale are tastefully done. There seems to be a focus on items to do with Ode to a Nightingale and Bright Star (for obvious reasons). For instance, the only mug for sale was white with the beginning lines of Bright Star written on it in Keats's handwriting. (Of course I bought it! )

[Saturn]

Hmm I got a mug with 'Keats House' on it. This was just before Bright Star was released so maybe they've brought in all the movie tie-in memorabilia shortly afterwards.

[Raphael]

I somehow knew it'd be tasteful, just like our dear poet!

[Maureen]

Just read through this thread and really enjoyed it - thanks for sharing Maia. I am lucky in two respects: first, I often visit London and have been to Keats House a few times - I love Hampstead; second, I live in Shanklin where John stayed on his second visit to the Isle of Wight. About ten minutes walk from my house is Eglantine Cottage and Shanklin Chine. If anyone would like photos / description of the area posted I would be only too happy.

[Raphael]

Just read through this thread and really enjoyed it - thanks for sharing Maia. I am lucky in two respects: first, I often visit London and have been to Keats House a few times - I love Hampstead; second, I live in Shanklin where John stayed on his second visit to the Isle of Wight. About ten minutes walk from my house is Eglantine Cottage and Shanklin Chine. If anyone would like photos / description of the area posted I would be only too happy.

Oh yes- I would love to see your photos!

[Malia]

I would love to see your photos, Maureen! It would be neat to learn more about where you live, especially for we who live thousands of miles away

This gets me to thinking--totally off topic here (might re-post this idea in another section) that it would be neat to have pictures up and perhaps a little summary of each of the places we who visit the Keats message boards live. Just an idea of the city and maybe a few photos of favorite places. I'd love to know more about where everyone else here comes from