Old Hollywood in London

I recently took a trip to London, and had an amazing time wandering about - there were a few traces of old Hollywood there, so of course I have to share them with you!

Plaque at the site of Ava Gardner’s London home

Ava Gardner spent the latter part of her glamorous life quietly at 34 Ennismore Gardens, Knightsbridge, London. It’s the first place I went on a sightseeing day in London! Ava writes in her autobiography about walking her beloved Pembroke Welsh corgis in the nearby parks. The one closest to her former home no longer allows dogs, but I don’t think that sign would’ve stopped Ava! It’s easy to imagine her finding peace here.

Audrey Hepburn’s Oscar ensemble, 1954

I got to see the Crown to Couture exhibit on display in Kensington Palace. There were so many amazing things on display, but one of my favorites was Audrey Hepburn’s Oscar dress from 1954, when she won for Roman Holiday - I love that this dress isn’t typical “Oscar red carpet” - it very much reflects her personal style which was so well defined that it still today conjures images of cool casual: ballet flats, cigarette pants, and statement jewelry.

I love traveling and finding connections to old Hollywood. There were many more I didn’t have time to check out, but if you’ve traveled somewhere and found a unique Hollywood connection there, let me know in the comments!