[
back to list of news & deals ]
News... Bond, James Bond Comes to London's Imperial War Museum
One of London's most delightful (and free) museums honors the weaponry and bravery and folly of war in great depth, from the British military involvement with its colonies, to WWI and WWII, the Cold War and the UK's famous military espionage. The Imperial War Museum at Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ, is a museum of rockets and bomber fuselages, armor and videos, propaganda posters and photographs that is packed with veterans and school groups, and it's a total wonder for children.
At our visit, author Ian Fleming's centenary was being celebrated with a richly informative exhibit called "For Your Eyes Only" about his life and that of his best known creation, James Bond. In case you haven't heard, the name "Bond, James Bond" and a preference for "martinis, shaken not stirred" has made this secret agent 007 a global brand.
Kids who aren't old enough to know that Daniel Craig wasn't the first embodiment of the famous spy "who loved me" will appreciate the show's display of film props accompanied by film clips. Don't miss Mr. Craig's blood-stained dress shirt from "Casino Royale."
Their parents will be fascinated to learn about Fleming's own career in NID, the Naval Intelligence Division of the British Military that gave him the background to recreate MI6, the boss M, Ms. Moneypenny, the technical wizard Q and other lovable characters from the Bond pantheon. First, you'll learn that Mr. Fleming was himself somewhat of a playboy and rogue, having done poorly at Eton, and failed his way through several career attempts (including journalist at Reuters and travel writer) on his way to becoming a vastly successful novelist.
Many display areas showcase the war time correspondence between Mr. Fleming and his superiors in NID, followed by their more contemporary denials of Fleming's allegations that inspiration for Bond plots often came from his prior NID experience; these are especially fascinating.
The show runs through March 1, 2009 and, though the museum is free, charges an admission fee of GBP8/adults, GBP4/children or GBP19 for the whole family. It's well worthwhile for true Bond fans.
em>by Kyle McCarthy
