On Saturday 5th September 2026 I visited the National Portrait Gallery and Tate Modern. After arriving at Waterloo I made a quick call to Leake Street. As this was the third visit in a few days not much had changed.
Charing Cross
My ticket to Waterloo also allowed me to travel on Southern Railways to another London mainline station. This trip I went to Charing Cross from Waterloo East.
After reading “Eleanor: A captivating historical journey through England” I wanted to have a closer look at the monument in the station’s forecourt. It was a replacement but nevertheless I had passed it many times but not looked closely.
Marilyn Monroe Portrait
The National Portrait Gallery didn’t open until 10:30 am so I had to wait. In front of the steps was a protest about the cages that sows were kept in after giving birth.
I joined the short queue. I was surprised to learn that there maybe tickets available for the early morning. I had intended to become a member to gain immediate access. This day was the next to the last day of the exhibition so this really was a last minute attempt to see the exhibition.
There were indeed tickets for sale and I had a 10:45 slot. And then I was in to initially almost empty gallery.
Her first camera was still in her possession at her death.
My favourite pictures of Marilyn are from her session with Milton Green wearing clothes from her role in “Bus Stop” as Cherie.
And of course there was “Ballerina”
From the “Seven year itch” :
Some of her dresses were on display…
After leaving the exhibition I explored the lower floors of the gallery and then went for lunch.
The magazine on the table gave me an idea to visit Heddon Street as this is the place where Bowie’s picture as Ziggy Stardust was taken. And today was the anniversary so there might be some celebrations…
Heddon Street
Off Regent Street this pedestrianised street had lots of references to Ziggy.
The celebrations it seems were later in the day – maybe next year!
Regent Street
York Road
From Waterloo I walked to the South Bank and at the traffic lights …
The South Bank
The tide was out so my walk to Tate Modern continued on the beach.
Back above.
Tate Modern
Outside Tate Modern…
Being way too early again I explored the galleries before going for a coffee.
Frida Kahlo
These are some of the Frida related “merchandise” exhibited.
From the exhibition’s shop I went out onto the balcony for another view of the city.
Back to Waterloo
Next was Wetherspoons for an early meal.
