Last Wednesday we went to Dulwich (on the outskirts of London) to the Dulwich Picture Gallery to see, Reframed: The Woman in the Window, which was so interesting and highly original as it aimed to be a window itself, reflecting on how women have been depicted through the ages, from the ancient world to the modern, gazing out of windows, dreaming, suffering, living their lives – it was fascinating.
This Rembrandt, Woman at a Window with a Copper Bowl of Apples and a Cock Pheasant, was my all-time favourite – don’t you love the way it’s lit. 
There were many Dutch paintings which are very well known but this below is by a Danish painter, Catherine Caroline Cathinka Englehart, and I thought it just lovely. It’s The Artist in her Studio. Good to see a woman artist in the exhibition.
And here’s Louis Leopold Boilly’s A Girl at a Window., which I thought quite arresting.
There were so many wonderful paintings, but there were also many contemporary items including this, which I thought rather neat and contained and therefore interesting
And what did I wear? Well, I aimed to wear something different to my last trip to London, and got a dress out plus all its accessories and hung it up the night before, but it was going to be an exceptionally humid and muggy day. I tried that dress and three other dresses and they all made me feel hot and sweaty, so I got out the dress I wore to the V&A and it really worked. Throughout the day I felt cool and comfortable, and ain’t that the point!
Phew! But this dress sure is a keeper.
Here I am in the gallery.
Shame about the mask but I see it as essential these days.
Those two photographs show an artist who exchanged her role in her private opening at her studio with a sex worker. So the sex worker is the host of her private viewing and the artist is sitting at the window offering her services. I mean I don’t know how far she went (!) but she said the exchange was taken seriously by both of them.
Here’s Mr F enjoying the exhibition and that painting again.
Here are the accessories I got together at the very last minute.
The bag is new! But exactly the same make as the yellow backpack that I wear every day. I think I’ve got beyond wanting to look fashionable with a crossbody bag. Comfort and ease is my watchword for bags now and they have to be backpacks – for the back! The shoes are old, the button bracelet was made by Joy Fox, and the necklace and ring (which is a peacock) are both charity shopped some time ago and cost next to nothing.
My straw hat, which you don’t see in this photo is new but bought from a charity shop for the princely sum of £5!
Talking hot weather here. We are in the middle of a drought that looks like it’s not going away for some time. And we are due another round of excessive heat at the end of the week, three days of it this time. At the moment, my immediate concern is for my very hot south-facing patch that is my garden area. Hosepipes are about to be banned (good) but I don’t use one instead I borrow my daughter’s to fill up my water butt and water by hand. But my water butt gets empty quite quickly and as I have no outside tap and not likely to have one here in this complex I have decided to plant hot/dry-weather plants for next year and not go down the country cottage look that I usually plant as they will not need so much water. That will be done in the Autumn and Winter when I shall work on it to improve the soil as well. But for the moment, I have devised a very simple way to capture the grey water in the bathroom. In the wash basin under the central tap I have placed a plastic storage box which captures all the hand and face washing water, which then gets poured into a bucket. My word I’m capturing a phenomenal amount of water this way and my patch is quite damp as a result throughout the day! So pleased with this extraordinarily simple idea.
Btw, all washing up and rinsing vegetable water is going on the patch as well. Long term, all new builds should incorporate plumbing that recycles grey water. It is such a simple thing to do, but no government seems to think long term or want to regulate anything. I’ll stop there otherwise I’ll continue into a rant!
That’s all for now, but I just want to thank those of you who comment on the blog as there have been so many interesting points made recently, but know this, all readers, you are all very much appreciated – thank you so much for reading and supporting this blog.
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
Dulwich PG is my go-to when I’m near…super exhibition always.. Glad you enjoyed ure visit!
I do love that gallery and don’t go often enough but it is a bit of a drive or a convoluted train journey. However, I have a friend in Dulwich and we always meet up for exhibitions and this is the third time or maybe the fourth we’ve been. Last time some years ago it was the Ravillious exhibition which was extraordinarily good.
We did enjoy it!
What a beautiful art work. It is so very nice to go to a exhibition. We are having a heatwave at the moment and I’m loving it!
It was such a great exhibition but tbh, I don’t really like the heat. It’s going to get hotter by the end of the week – eeek!
Great thoughts on water usage Penny thank you.
Yes I agree re back packs I tend to use them most of the time.
Comfort in the really hot weather is so important.
All the best Penny x
Ah yes, water usage, my rant would have included how the water companies are pouring sewage into our rivers and not stopping leaks which waste a huge amount of water. So we, the ordinary people of this country, take a lot of care with our water and the companies waste it and pour out not only sewage but profits into shareholders!* @%!
All the very best to you too, Vivien
Hi Penny, Love the art gallery pictures ,I don’t get to one very often apart from Artists open houses in Brighton, which are a different thing but very enjoyable. Thinking of water shortages, my main complaint is why on earth do we flush our loos with DRINKING WATER, what an extraordinary waste! Surely it would be a fairly simple operation to make sure new-build houses all have separate pipes. Then grey water could be re-used automatically . It would be a start anyway. Best wishes Judy
I agree with you – things will have to change and I wish that all new building was regulated to recycle grey water for exactly that – flushing the loo!
Now I’ve moved to Lewes I’m looking forward to Art Wave as they call their Open Houses. It’s in September.
Best wishes to you too Judy
Thanks Penny for the very interesting post on your visit to the gallery. What a clever idea for a theme for the exhibition, fascinating and lovely pics.
You look great , so elegant and chic. I love all the elements of your chosen outfit, I read so often that it’s a good idea to lay out your clothes the night before but I can’t manage it, as can’t predict what the weather will be doing and also what I will feel in the mood for wearing.
So glad the move to Lewes has gone well , I think you will be very happy and at home there .
Thanks again for an interesting read
Barbara
Thanks so much Barbara and actually I don’t lay out my clothes every day, just for outings and trips to London, especially if we’re starting out quite early which is what we did to get to Dulwich. But it didn’t do any good this time as I rejected everything that I’d got ready 🤣
Thanks again for all your kind words
Jack Vettriano may not be your cup of tea Penny, but I have a print of his titled ‘Edinburgh Afternoon’ which I love. It reminds me of the hours I have spent staring out of the window when life has been difficult and how grateful I am that those times have passed. It was bought for me by a very good friend who helped me through the difficult times.
On a completely different tack, do you mean that you put a box in the sink to catch the grey water?
Love your blog. I so wish I lived closer to London.
I’ve just looked at a photo of Edinburgh Afternoon and I love it. I do like portraits and there were many contemporary items in this exhibition but none of Jack Vettriano. More’s the pity as that one is great. I have very broad tastes btw, and love looking at mostly anything, although some very obscure modern art, maybe not so much. And yes, it does remind one of looking out of the window pensively. How lovely of your friend to give you a print.
Even living where we do we don’t get up to London as much as we could – mind you Covid has a lot to answer for!
Thanks Lindy
I think there’s some snobbishness about Jack Vettriano’s work. I saw a TV programme some time ago which claimed that many galleries won’t show it. I think it’s a pity as it’s possible to appreciate and enjoy a vast range of styles.
Hi Penny , great post . Thank you for reminding me about Dulwich Gallery as its one of those places on my list but then doesn’t move up. The photos are a good promotion .
Thanks Yok – here’s a Guardian review which gave it 5*. Very much deserved, I’d say, but it’s only on until September 4th – highly recommend.
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2022/may/08/reframed-the-woman-in-the-window-dulwich-picture-gallery-london-review-all-eyes-on-her-indoors
Thank you for this reminder to be more conscience and deliberate in seeking out enlightening and entertaining moments in our lives, Penny. With my husband’s improving health and a loosening of CoVid’s grip, we hope to add a few of the same to our days. We are actually going to an outdoor play and dinner with friends next week! We’ve not done something like this in ages!
Your outfit is lovely. I love the layering of the dress and how the top, darker layer seems to float around you. Thanks to Mr. F for capturing this! And a mighty YES to backpack purses! That’s all I carry. I don’t change bags often so my current backpack purse is a soft leather one in a light shade called “cashew”. Unfortunately, it was not a frugal find but an investment for balanced posture and two-hands-free safety from falls and trips.
Sorry to read that your weather is still so hot! You are wisely using your grey water. I need to get a bucket in our shower to capture the “warming up” water, too. I’ve been following a YouTube urban gardener in Southern California who has re-plumbed his much older home to turn all grey water into his garden. He even built an outdoor sink for washing his prolific produce and an outdoor shower. With his elaborate and efficient chicken coop, he is striving to become more self-sustaining. So interesting.
Do take care. Stay hydrated. Thank you for taking us with you…Charlene
I’ve read several comments referring to the backpack purse being too risky regarding theft. Understandable. I make sure to keep valuables enclosed in zippers and closer to my body. In crowds, I simply wear it to the front. Ha! I’m more concerned about keeping my balance, posture, and two hands free.
Actually I had to take the backpack off my back whilst in the gallery so I was carrying it. and of course, it’s always zipped up, and can easily be worn on one shoulder. Balance is much better when it’s on the back though.
So glad to hear your husband’s health has improved to the extent that you’ll be going out and socialising – yay and three cheers!
The dress is great for heat as it doesn’t touch the sides but just floats! I’m with you on backpacks as I feel so much safer wearing one.
As for recycling our grey hand-washing water I’m now able to not use the water butt as much as I did and the soil is quite damp by the time the sun gets to my patch. So glad I’ve started doing this as a phenomenal amount was going down the drain. You’d hope that building regulations will change and adapt to the UK’s hotter climate but I think it’s a very low priority for this government at the moment – will say no more, apart from they’re preoccupied elsewhere!!!
I will take care – you take care too
This does look like a very interesting exhibition Penny, thanks for showing it to us. When we were in Belfast on our cruise last month we went to Hillsborough Castle, (actually a Georgian house), where there was a fascinating 17thC portrait of Mary of Modena. She was dresses as a man; apparently it was all the rage at the time. It remined me of the ‘The Favourite’ where Sarah Churchill is similarly attired in one scene. Mary’s expression was so challenging and arresting & the painting so beautifully executed that I just wanted to keep looking at her! I’m mostly enjoying the warm weather but the lack of rain is worrying. Of course you can’t collect all your grey water as some is needed to flush the drains. Not sure about backpacks. I wouldn’t keep money or cards in one anywhere crowded as they could easily be lifted. With a cross body bag you can tuck it under your arm and you can see it at all times. I’m going away singing on Friday & hoping the train drivers strike won’t upset my return journey on Sunday. I’ll wear my mask on the train & hope I’m as lucky this time as last year. When friends extended their house they put a rainwater tank under the new patio . They have a large garden and grow fruit and veg so well worth it for them. I’ve been saving water by having fewer baths and washing clothes less often for a couple of years now. With washing machines it’s just too easy to throw things in that could be worn again. My Mother used to say that we ‘washed the life out of things’ and she was right! She was the generation who had a bath once a week and washed in between. She could not understand why people were always having showers. However, when it’s as hot as this there are people about who would benefit from a wash and a deodorant!
I forgot to ask – hope your husband is better. And yes, I love that, when portraits capture one’s attention.
Tbh, I don’t enjoy this weather and prefer it much cooler. But I am enjoying wearing the dresses! Not all the water is collected so there is sufficient to flush the drains but I’m still collecting a phenomenal amount of water just from the hand washing.
And backpacks are very easily carried on the shoulder, and everything is zipped up, but I do need to be evenly balanced for my posture and balance.
Back to water, yes, I’m trying to do only two washes in the washing machine a week and succeed most weeks. And yes, throughout my childhood it was a bath about four times a week, or was it three. Otherwise it was a strip wash. I did a term as a boarder – there you had a bath every Saturday! And that’s where I learnt the art of a strip wash! You were allowed to wash your hair every two weeks! As for washing clothes my mother washed everything by hand until that is, she had to go into hospital for two weeks for something – my father ordered an early washing machine double quick!
I love the bargain hat Penny, so very stylish on you. Like you I am trying to reduce my charity shop spending and shopping more from my own wardrobe – amazing the things you can uncover that had been forgotten. Thank you for the Dulwich exhibition pictures, quite lovely. Keep cool everyone it looks to be even hotter later on the week here in the south. I am about to become mad animal lady, I have a cat and dog of my own and as both daughters and their families are off on holiday I will be having their pets to stay (so another cat and dog) not sure how it’s all going to work out 🤨
Hope the animals all get along. We found a luxury dog kennels for our dog that was more expensive than our flights! She became a favourite and ended up sleeping in the owner’s kitchen – so it was worth the money!
The Dulwich exhibition was fab but it’s ending soon – 4th September I think. The hat is fab too – a lucky find!
Thanks for taking us along with you. I thoroughly enjoyed the shots you took for us. that dress is gorgeous on you and looks light and cool as possible. I am moving away from the backpack after seeing some clips of just how easy it is to relieve someone of their possessions. We are enduring another heat wave as well and the humidity is like a wall when stepping out into it. Take good care of yourselves and don’t push it. As for the water, I have been saving the bathwater in the tub to flush toilets for the past couple of years but there is so much more I could be doing so thanks for that.
The exhibition was fab and just as good as any in the centre of London.
Actually I’ve never worried about the security of my backpack and have been wearing one for over 15 years now. Of course, it’s always zipped up and the purse is at the very bottom – they’d really have to shove to get it. But if I was in a pushing, shoving crowd the backpack would be on one shoulder and held with the other arm, or even better worn on the front. But I wear one mainly for balance and posture.
I do not like this heat one bit, but I do like wearing the dresses!
I’m amazed at the amount of water I’m saving from just catching the hand-washing water in the bathroom.
Take care in your heatwave 😎
What a lovely exhibition and, as ever, a great outfit. We had a lovely thunder storm yesterday evening what a treat. Saving water is not easy. Our water heater is a long way from the shower and so quite a bit of water is wasted letting it run through. My GP told me to have a cold shower to stimulate my blood flow (!) I let the cold run over my feet till it’s warm, not brave enough to go the whole way, I must try to catch it somehow. We don’t need much for watering but I hadn’t thought of using it to flush. Stay cool.
Did you have lots of rain? We’re forecast to continue with this drought into October! Yes I know what you mean about the wait for hot water – same with us – but trying to save it in the plastic box. A cold shower is quite bracing though, think get used to it first. As in move the cold water slightly higher up every time you shower – good luck with that 😀
That does like a most interesting exhibition , Penny. You look gorgeous in your very chic dress and I loved all the accessories. The backpack is brilliant and of course so very useful. As for the grey water idea; I think we must all start doing that now – Monty Don showed it on his programme on Friday night. If only all new houses would be built with grey water recycling built in as standard!
Hope you have a great week and that the heat isn’t too unbearable…
xxx
I’ll look out the Monty Don advice on iPlayer. Yes, at the very least all new builds should have grey water recycling. And yet and yet, the two contenders are trying to outdo themselves with tax cuts – words fail me, they are so out of touch!
Yes, you keep cool too!
xxx
Hi Penny
I’m fairly new to your monthly blogs since your interview with Tricua at LFF. I love reading your stories and adventures, you are such an intelligent, inspirational and entertaining lady.
I particularly enjoyed this latest blog, I love the Rembrandt painting and as you mention, the way it’s lit is quite remarkable. Thank you for your writings which I look forward to with much interest.
Cath x
Thank you so much for your kind words and welcome to the commenting community! It’s really nice to hear from you 😀
Love your blog but rarely comment, however, just thought I would mention Beth Chatto’s book on dry gardening for ideas for your garden.
Ah indeed, Beth Chatto. I actually visited that garden must be years ago. Will look for her books. Thanks so much for the reminder.
Bravo to you Penny for your efforts to conserve water. as I have mentioned before here in New York and the surrounding area we have had very little rain and are under water restrictions. You inspire me to try to do better in my own usage. That looked like such an interesting exhibition. I think I had written previously that I was able to see the Winslow Homer exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan a couple of weeks ago. That dress is lovely, perfect for the occasion. I have never used a backpack. I can see the advantages but I always wondered if it would be too cumbersome taking it on and off to get at things. It looks like the one you have can also be carried. I was wondering who made your backpack/purse. I like the bold color and it seems well designed. Actually I am hoping to go back to the Met museum at the end of the month. My daughter was interested in seeing one of their fashion exhibits and we will be joined with a friend who lives in Manhattan. She has recovered from her bout with covid and her husband is all getting better, thank goodness.
Without being able to get away this Summer it has felt a bit flat, but I have to remind myself that thee have been these trips to the museum, the pool in my complex, especially when joined by family, dinners with my friends which we try to do weekly, and so much more to be grateful for. I always look forward to your posts. There are quite a few posts of women leading active and fashionable lives after 50 but I see few of those over 70.
Darby x
If I ever come to New York again an art gallery like the Met and MOMA are definitely on my list of places to go to – sigh – we’ve really been so stay-at-home for such along time. We do go to France and have done cruises but would love to do just a little more before, you know!
Good to hear that you are under water restrictions. Here in the UK we are doing very little apart from hosepipes are banned from this Friday. The actual Prime Minster is on holiday and the two contenders for his role are saying anything that might attract that very small number of people who can vote one of them in, but they’re not actually addressing the needs of the country.
The bag is made by Roka London Bag Company. I’ve had the yellow backpack for years, wearing it nearly every day, and washed it in the washing machine and still no signs of wear – highly recommend. Here’s the link
https://rokalondon.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwi8iXBhBeEiwAKbUofUOmJLRCRzu6dQ-gDB-uK5cA9tqrfHiZpjym477rhYnTKR9_fi8EkxoCWh8QAvD_BwE
So sorry you’ve not got away this summer. We decided to not go on holiday in the summer to appreciate Lewes as we’d only just moved, but really I could do with a holiday right now, so I do kind of know how you’re feeling. We are getting away for a few days in September and a whole week in Dungeness in October.
Thanks Darby and glad to share my life with you all 😀 You take care now x
An interesting art exhibition Penny , worth the effort to see the mix of art on offer. I loved your outfit and it does look very cool and comfy . I do think we sometimes put too much pressure on ourselves to not repeat outfits but if one works again it matters not.
Interesting thoughts on water conservation , I have always tried to re-use as much waste water as possible as we often have water restrictions down here.
Best of luck with your garden , a mix of grey plants , lavenders, sages , sedums , etc. are popular here in dry gardens.
Jill xx
This exhibition was so interesting and just my sort of day out! The dress was exactly right for the gallery visit too. Gosh, we have another few days of hot weather and with my Celtic heritage I find it very uncomfortable – give me cool weather anytime – and the drought is forecast to last until October!!
Yes, I agree about grey and white plants – I’m getting Beth Chatto’s book on dry weather gardening. Her garden in Essex is another one that is never watered and well worth a visit.
xx
Morning Penny
Many thanks for another interesting blog and the trip aound the exhibition – some great stuff and an interesting theme.
Despite the best efforts of water companies to waste water – leaks, lack of investment etc etc., (I’ve just typed this and heard there’s been a burst water main in Islington with 50+ properties damaged – Grrr!!…) we’re managing to keep the tomatoes, runner beans and fruits going but some of the garden looks very sorry. Fortunately, being well established, the shrubs and evergreens are coping well and are are nice contrast to the lawn which is now hay.
Like you, we’re also doing our bit saving water with a water butt that catches it from the roof and we’ve put a small one by the back door into which we pour our clean waste. Yes, it’s amazing – and alarming – how much simply went down the drain.
I’m not a sun worshipper or, indeed, a heat lover. High 60s/low70s is enough for me, so I’ll not be venturing very far this week apart from the gym – nice and cool in there plus a swim. With the cost of energy we do most of our ablutions down there.
Bags: I’m never without a bag on my shoulder. (I carry the kitchen sink around with me.) I favour slouchy shoulder bags and cross body ones in busy areas. I’ve noticed you wear back packs before; I’ve never been attracted to them – from the security point of view and imagined they would be uncomfortable – especially in winter over bulky coats. But from what you and others are saying, perhaps I should give one a try; I’ll keep my eye open for one – at bargain price.
I haven’t purchased any clothes (new or second hand) for several months. I have a lot of clothes (some I’ve had for years) and have been going through my boxes. Some things look really good and I wonder why I’ve not worn them (truthful answer: I’ve forgotten or simply bought something) other stuff is going it to black bags for the charity shop. I’ve also had a few successes on eBay but I don’t enjoy ‘messing about’ – too lazy!
I feel virtuous not buying but I miss the thrill of a bargain or the hit of the new. Is there a cure for me, Doc? 😉
All the very best, Mary
This weather is awful – with my Celtic heritage I really ought to be living in Scotland as up north they seem to be getting quite a bit of rain. Everything is parched here. I have a large water butt at the front which I will fill up tomorrow with Susie’s hosepipe before the ban hits on Friday – which I agree with totally. There’s a small water butt at the back of our flat and I might install another larger one and connect it to the smaller one for when the rain sets in. Do hope it does! The Tory philosophy that private companies always perform best is so wrong and proven to be wrong. Water really is a national asset – they should be nationalised.
I’m sure my scoliosis began with me always wearing a shoulder bag. Backpacks are best for me now as I feel better balanced with the bag directly on my back. And in the winter you just adjust the straps – they’re very easy to wear! My two favourite backpacks, the yellow one and the new pink one, are made by Roka https://rokalondon.com
All the very best to you Mary
I think you look extremely chic in that dress, Penny! Floaty and cool; what else could one want?!
My last visit to DPG was over thirty years ago, when I lived in SW London but you have inspired me to return asap before that particular exhibition finishes – thank you!
Thank you so much June, the dress was ideal for the day and the gallery.
I highly recommend the exhibition and there’s a very nice cafe for coffee and light lunch. The exhibition ends September 4th – you’ll really enjoy the experience if you get to it!
I would be interested to know the make of the pink rucksack, please. Find both of your blogs interesting and have been following you for several years.
Pat
Hi Pat and thank you so much for following both blogs!
The bags are very well made and last and last. The yellow one has been worn nearly every day for years now and no sign of wear. The make is Roka https://rokalondon.com
Thanks again
Oh, how I love an art museum! These paintings are all so different and yet so alike. I do really like the one by Catherine Caroline Cathinka Englehart. It’s so reflective and so beautifully done, isn’t it? I love the play of shadows and the “realness” of it. I think your dress was perfect for an outing at a museum of any kind. Our art museum also has gorgeous gardens on the grounds so I always ask Nigel if we are doing inside or outside because that decides what I wear. I love to dress up to go there because art deserves a good dress up! I have a quilted Vera Bradley backpack but usually only use it when we travel. I have a good many bags collected over the years. They live in an armoire in the front room right now. I put them in there when we moved seven years ago. It just seemed like a good way to move them. Once we got here, I decided why take them out!
I have really been trying to capture water and reuse it. I even reuse the leftover water in my dog’s bowl (when I give him fresh water that is). I haven’t done anything about the shower water though I really need to do so. I would love to have a rain barrel (which may be what your water butt is) at our new house…something to check on once we are there.
Thanks so much for sharing this lovely museum with us!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
The exhibition was so good and yes, like you I do love to dress up for an outing like that. I feel it’s good to honour the artists by making the best of yourself. Also it’s fun to dress up isn’t it!
It must be the same thing – water butt and rain barrel – they capture the rain by being connected to the rainwater downpipes and when we have rain the butts/barrels fill up. The UK is renowned for being such a wet weather country, but we are sadly lacking in rain at the moment, although they do get rain in the north and Scotland. But come the Autumn, fingers crossed, we will get some rain. Fancy wanting days of rain – but I do want that!
Thank you so much for commenting – much appreciated 🙂
What a perfect dress for visiting the art gallery. I really like your backpack (I remember admiring your yellow one) as I think they are very practical when traveling or on outings and I just love red!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks for sharing those beautiful paintings, Penny! You look stylish in your flowy dress for beating the heat. I agree with you about recycling the gray water. People could take a lot of lessons from Las Vegas in water conservation.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com