On Saturday hubby and I took the train from Bendigo to Melbourne.

He was going to the Model Rail Expo in Caulfield, I was off to the NGV to see the Art Deco exhibit.

While travelling the two hours to Melbourne by train takes longer than by car, it is far more relaxing and gets you into the heart of Melbourne without any parking hassles.

Once arriving at Southern Cross Station we then went upstairs and caught a suburban train to Flinders Street, which from there a short 5 minute walk too us to the NGV.

We were meeting up with friends at the gallery, where hubby and his friend were off to the model rail expo at Caulfield, while my friend (wife of Bills’ friend) were to go to the Art Deco Exhibition.

While not free ($20.00 per adult) the exhibit is fabulous. It covers every aspect that you can think of for that era of 1910 – 1939, where even a Bakelite radio exuded charm and style. At the exhibit there were pieces of jewellery, graceful garments including a frock by Coco Chanel, a couple of superb vintage cars, Egyptian artefacts that were so much an inspiration for many of that time, tea services of wonderful design, crystal from Austria and lots, lots more. To me a highlight was the grand stairway and other pieces that were illuminated. These were taken from a hotel that had been renovated in the 1960’s I think and thank goodness had not found its way to the tip. Instantly upon seeing them I was reminded of the old Hollywood musicals of the time and almost expected the likes of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to come through the revolving doors and dance to us, their awe inspired audience.

After the exhibit my friend and I went upstairs and had an elegant morning tea. Scones were served with fine cutlery; the tea was served in white porcelain and gold pots. We were able to talk about the exhibit and catch up for an hour or so, relaxing after walking for at least an hour or more in order to see all the exhibit had to offer.

Bill equally enjoyed the model rail exhibit at Caulfield, telling me it was very busy, with mainly men being there, all of a certain age.

For information about the Art Deco at the NGV, go to www.ngv.vic.gov.au