london photo | Eugenie Absalom

My cup of Dutch coffee at the Embassy of the Netherlands. Photo © Eugenie Absalom

This year Embassy of the Netherlands opened the gates for the first time in its history. On Saturday, 21 September visitors were treated to a comprehensive tour of the abstract style diplomatic mission and a cup of Dutch coffee.

Abstract interior of the Dutch Embassy in London. Photo © Eugenie Absalom

The Dutch diplomatic mission has occupied its 38 Hyde Park Gate residence in Kensington since the end of the Second World War.

Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in London. Photo © Eugenie Absalom

The monumental red brick facade of the seven storey 19th century building is in contrast with its brand new bold and bright abstract interior design by Dutch artists. The interior designer of the Netherlands Ministry for Foreign Affairs and her colleague who is in charge of the Netherlands Government Art Collection took part in 2012 renovations at the embassy.

Interior of the Dutch Embassy in London. Photo © Eugenie Absalom

British design by Paul Smith can be seen on the fabrics of all the chairs and loose cushions.

I enjoyed a cup of bitter Dutch coffee from a retro style coffee machine in the Embassy bar and was quite impressed with hospitable and arty Dutch embassy in London.

The Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands portrait at the Dutch Embassy. Photo © Eugenie Absalom

Visit my DEMOTIX page to view more photos of London Open House at the Embassy of the Netherlands on 21 September 2013: Embassy of the Netherlands: London Open House 2013

News and photos by Eugenie Absalom

Flying red Soho lanterns for the Year of the Snake. Photo © Eugenie Absalom

Hundreds of thousands descend on central London each winter for traditional Chinese New Year celebrations, the largest outside Asia. This year was not an exception, in spite of rain and wind. The actual date of Chinese New Year varies year after year, but always falls between the end of January and mid February. The Year of the Snake celebrations took place in Chinatown and Trafalgar Square on Sunday, 10 February 2013.

The Year of the Snake celebrations in Soho on 10.02.13. Photo © Eugenie Absalom

Inside and outside a Chinese restaurant in Soho. Photo © Eugenie Absalom

Due to constant rain throughout Sunday, hundreds of umbrellas were the only thing to be seen in every direction. I still managed to take photos of the Chinese Lion dance in Soho, Trafalgar Square Chinese New Year celebrations and incredible red Soho lanterns.

The Lion Dance in Soho the rain. Photo © Eugenie Absalom

The Lion Dance in Soho on Chinese New Year Sunday. Photo © Eugenie Absalom

This annual event is organised by London Chinatown Chinese Association and supported by Mayor of London. Chinese New Year 2014, the Year of the Horse, falls on 31 January 2014.

My photos of the Chinese Year of the Snake celebrations across London:

Chinese New Year 2013 celebrations in central London

Harrods Store Window Display for Chinese Year of the Snake

Ching-He Huang Live Cooking Demonstration at Harrods Store in London

News and photos by Eugenie Absalom

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London Open House: Embassy of the Netherlands