July 2005 Visit to the Alexander Palace

[helenazar]

Thank you very much Mary for being so generous with your superb photos.

I notice that the grand piano has now migrated to the center of the room.

In appreciation,

Belochka  

Belochka,  the reason they had moved some things around in this room is due to practical reasons. Apparently, the visitors used to be able to go around the back, along the windows, while the chairs were still standing against the wall. What used to happen was that not only did the people used to try to sit on the window sills, but they also tried to sit on the chairs (not realizing that they were part of the display), as well as try to touch some of the other displays that were within reach from that spot. The guards had a very hard time controlling all this, so the management decided to move things around a bit and the passageway is now in the front of the room only...

[londo954]

The chapel I was referring to was the main Chapel that Nicholas and Alexandra used

[londo954]

Now that I take a second look it does resemble the ones that were in teh room
Why were they reupholstered?

[RussianAngel]

Wow, you are so lucky that you got to go to Russia. Those pictures are beautiful! What an amazing trip!

[Belochka]

Belochka,  the reason they had moved some things around in this room is due to practical reasons.

Thanks for explaining that minor mystery for me Helen.

[Merrique]

Those pictures are incredible!Thank you so much for sharing them with us.

I would have to say the only disappointing thing is seeing how the palace looks on the outside.Paint cracking and peeling.I would to see the AP fully restored.

Until that time these pictures are such a treat.

[helenazar]

Why were they reupholstered?

Because they weren't in such great shape so they had to be restored, but I believe they couldn't find the exact same upholstery pattern!

I am working on my travelogue from my trip in August, and I have lots of pictures of the AP - back, front and side, as well as the park. I am probably not going to use any of the AP interior shots as we already have lots of them posted on various threads - and really nice ones, like Mary's! But there aren't that many of the exteriors, especially of the back of the palace, so these will be coming soon.

[M_Breheny]

Helen:

I am looking forward to viewing your travelogue of the Alexander Palace.  I wish I could have spent more time exploring the exterior of the palace.  Can't wait to see your pictures.

One note of interest: The day I was there was a beautiful day with a bright blue sky, warm breezes, and lots of sunshine.  Because this kind of weather is rather rare in St. Petersburg at that time of year, the field just beyond the front of the palace (near the lake) was full of families who were sun-bathing and picnicking.  It was nice to see the grounds being enjoyed by the people.  

Mary

[ChristineM]

The parks were enjoyed by visitors during the last reign.   When the Imperial Family were not in residence, it was possible for people to visit.   The Catherine Palace was open to the public.  Details are contained in Baedekers Russia 1914.

I love to see today's children diving into and swimming in the Children's Pond.   In winter too, just like the Imperial children, they skate on the Pond.   The only pity is how the interior of the Children's House has been vandalised.

tsaria

[amelia]

Dear Helen,

I am looking forward to seeing your pictures.

Maria, thanks a lot for sharing with us your lovely pictures. I was there in 2003, and I am looking forward to be there again.

Amelia

[helenazar]

Helen:

I am looking forward to viewing your travelogue of the Alexander Palace.  I wish I could have spent more time exploring the exterior of the palace.  Can't wait to see your pictures.
 

I just finished my travelogue and sent it off to FA. Hopefully he will be able to put it up soon, after he gets back from vacation.  As I mentioned, because we have seen so many great photos of the interiors, I didn't include any, most of my photos are of the exteriors, the parks, the Gorodok and the town of Tsarskoe Selo.

One note of interest: The day I was there was a beautiful day with a bright blue sky, warm breezes, and lots of sunshine.  Because this kind of weather is rather rare in St. Petersburg at that time of year, the field just beyond the front of the palace (near the lake) was full of families who were sun-bathing and picnicking.  It was nice to see the grounds being enjoyed by the people.  
 

I was very lucky with the weather this summer too, it was absolutely wonderful and sunny and it only rained a couple of days but not in a row. I also saw many people picnicking and laying out by the lake every day and even swimming in it and the canals! The locals love the Alexander Park and it is used quite efficiently. It's actually really nice to see that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy this great park now, regular people: adults, kids, and even pets, and not just one privileged family, as it once was...