Snuggled right in the heart of London, the Palace of Westminster is home to the two houses of Parliment: House of Lords and House of Commons. As a self-proclaimed Anglophile, the Parliament tour was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I have dreamed about for as long as I can remember. Upon entering this 184-year-old building, I was immediately aware of its significance in British history through its profound symbolism within the gothic architecture and art that pay tribute to the past and present Monarchy. However, as we explored less decadent and at times, decaying, rooms, I was subtly reminded that this ancient relic is now a shared home to the British government, Parliment. I soon began to question the clash between it's traditionalistic and modernistic values. What signs did they portray to the thousands of tourists that visit each year? Are these signs a reflection on British culture?
"The sign is ambiguous: it remains on the surface, yet does not for all that give up the attempt to pass itself off as depth. It aims at making people understand but at the same time suggests that it is spontaneous... it presents itself at once as intentional and irrepressible, artificial and natural, manufactured and discovered."
-Roland Barthes
It was the 19th of May and our day began with a bus tour around London until we reached our final destination, the Houses of Parliament. As we ventured toward the building, I noticed the stark contrast between the traditional nature of the Victorian-buildings and it's 21st-century surroundings of tourists, cars, and technology.
Our group entered through Westminster Hall and immediately we were all transcended back in time, as we became surrounded by the Neo-Gothic architectural structures, such as high cathedral ceilings and stained glass windows elaborate designs and different shades of colors. As we made our way the stairs, we began to follow the path of the Royal procession. We soon enter opulent rooms, such as the Queen's Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, and the Princes Chamber. Upon entering each of these rooms, I notice all the decadent relics and antiquities, such as paintings and sculptures of past and present Kings and Queens, many of which date back to the reign of Queen Victoria. On the surface, one can assume that the Palace of Westminster is a museum of some sort, as many of these royal objects are of historical value. However, underneath the surface, they tell a tale far more powerful, mysterious and sacred.
We soon made our way to the House of Lords. Walking into the room, I noticed something interesting. Although the function of the room is purely governmental, the main and centralized component is the Monarchy.
The Sovereign's throne is centered underneath a canopy of gold leaf painted structures and elaborate panels depicting a variety of royal symbols and coat of arms. This traditional, grand and opulent Neo-Gothic display clashed with the sea of plain red seats. Walking around the room, I began to wonder how a mysterious figure like Monarchy is still a part of the modern 21st-century British culture and government? How will the Monarch adapt in the future to come? I suppose time will tell.
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