tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381638161882850612024-03-18T18:45:50.123+00:00Wayne ColquhounWayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-41012661227337494372024-03-15T20:12:00.002+00:002024-03-15T20:15:13.848+00:00A Message From The Past. Scribed On A Pew. In Capel Salem Corris.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9bMP-ZQ8ajv4i-0kDsEFRFHs-zeUELj7D2i6VpqVLaoIlGCMLbPF5xke-Kr4SUzhYq8WBR4BxNUKsRCnUw4RYjVCPp4UhQerjWkk33OPU_nDzOT3_U6UTA3hr17ezDHPSZCIN2EqP4LlG1QAKKxrkKCJ2zM_v1XU2EjeEbpI3agZQevCdvxvl2CWLxSC/s4624/Capel%20Salem%20Window.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9bMP-ZQ8ajv4i-0kDsEFRFHs-zeUELj7D2i6VpqVLaoIlGCMLbPF5xke-Kr4SUzhYq8WBR4BxNUKsRCnUw4RYjVCPp4UhQerjWkk33OPU_nDzOT3_U6UTA3hr17ezDHPSZCIN2EqP4LlG1QAKKxrkKCJ2zM_v1XU2EjeEbpI3agZQevCdvxvl2CWLxSC/s320/Capel%20Salem%20Window.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;">In the dark, unexplored corner of the upper tier of the gallery, the last remaining pew in the slate built Grade II listed Capel Salem C</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;">orris, that I am restoring, stood lonely and defiant.</span><p></p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><b>I prised it away from the wall loosening the hand cut brad nails and turned it on its side.</b></span><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;">I noticed there was some writing in pencil.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-wW5IEVgkQH4qzmTUhEoNmLyuX7p9UrhhzYqVpW_zcw1aYy7CTWPpRDa2z0MsUx7ckCN_dlRO_xDkuEjLwGEsMcm60sr8N3REBISVSSv35_qIux297lrcqdzKzAxoQ5xootif6u8n7HglG-gt8tg-Hg1kU29A1kEsW4KTgS34ih-OB22ZgFvdIIyYQqw/s4624/Capel%20Salem%20Corris%20Pew.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-wW5IEVgkQH4qzmTUhEoNmLyuX7p9UrhhzYqVpW_zcw1aYy7CTWPpRDa2z0MsUx7ckCN_dlRO_xDkuEjLwGEsMcm60sr8N3REBISVSSv35_qIux297lrcqdzKzAxoQ5xootif6u8n7HglG-gt8tg-Hg1kU29A1kEsW4KTgS34ih-OB22ZgFvdIIyYQqw/s320/Capel%20Salem%20Corris%20Pew.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;">As a time served carpenter, sometimes, I leave my name for the next generation to find.</span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;">A shiver ran down my spine as I read the old-fashioned script.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjdH18ODfezeVzsgde06XCxtXpn5Os0H9LWVWJqwJduXywHoLqKoVllbQXb1bcFZZpXeinMqmLTkbhX1TAzF0yL_z9fb9KtbJpqyl_nUY_6Du2sUhaRNk4u5edqe-37bxUK7f3L30cf9bCacCgoH0gS2Js-3l7IOoXdZpkddqff7juvlnWjJAEYzcFEB8/s4624/Capel%20salem%20Corris%20Nathaniel%20Owen%20Hughes.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjdH18ODfezeVzsgde06XCxtXpn5Os0H9LWVWJqwJduXywHoLqKoVllbQXb1bcFZZpXeinMqmLTkbhX1TAzF0yL_z9fb9KtbJpqyl_nUY_6Du2sUhaRNk4u5edqe-37bxUK7f3L30cf9bCacCgoH0gS2Js-3l7IOoXdZpkddqff7juvlnWjJAEYzcFEB8/s320/Capel%20salem%20Corris%20Nathaniel%20Owen%20Hughes.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><b>Nathaniel Owen Hughes Joiner</b></span><b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;">(Late of Llanbrynmair)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;">Tywyn</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;">October 9th, 1895</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;">Blessed is the name of God in this church.</span></b><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;">His work in pitch pine was of the highest standard.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"><b>I tipped my cap to his craftsmanship as I read his message passed down, hidden on the back of a pew that he made......to me.</b><br /></span></div></div>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-24749101875857270492022-11-30T15:49:00.000+00:002022-11-30T15:49:15.886+00:00When Clouds Have Vanished And Skies Are Blue.<p></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
found a picture portrait of a young lady while clearing out the
stores of a man who, when asked, described himself as a hoarder,
collector. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">With
the emphasis on the hoarder” I jokingly replied.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He
laughed.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Why I
volunteer for these jobs I will never know. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Up to
my knees in boxes, wading in junk. I love it. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes
there is one side of the vocation I have chosen. The public
talks and valuations of great sculpture and the appraisals of
valuable works of art. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then
there is reality. In a dark dank space, sorting through other peoples
discarded possessions. Wiping away the dirt and mould hoping to
reveal hidden treasure. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Its like being Indiana Jones, of Junk. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes,
if it was that easy we'd all be doing it.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sifting
and syphoning. With a torch. Falling over stuff. Upside down, feet
sticking out of tea chests. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh and
the old Singer sewing machine that unexpectantly fell apart and
landed corner side, on my foot...and broke my toe. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That
hurt. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If it
was not for the adrenelin of being drunk on junk, I would have cried
as I watched the black and blue toe balloon grow ever larger. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Man,
that was painfull. The things I do for my job.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRejvaRmu6O4t4Z0J6JeUjRJyOa1dXMzb4QZUWZCblqrwI9fWuHsJUePXVDVF09jjskvtwiumT_53qtxmbgUU0oSUIgVhUutAybxFM90Up4id0ebx_4Qen365K-Mc9D-pvdPTKYiMuYhwMVT3b8-yIbnGDRXIEJq63SwuDZkTdJVHUrfB391MfTLdpvA/s4624/20221124_125026.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRejvaRmu6O4t4Z0J6JeUjRJyOa1dXMzb4QZUWZCblqrwI9fWuHsJUePXVDVF09jjskvtwiumT_53qtxmbgUU0oSUIgVhUutAybxFM90Up4id0ebx_4Qen365K-Mc9D-pvdPTKYiMuYhwMVT3b8-yIbnGDRXIEJq63SwuDZkTdJVHUrfB391MfTLdpvA/s320/20221124_125026.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">I took
this little picture of a pretty lady home and placed it on the top of
a mirror which I had no space to hang, so it was tilted on the wall.<br /> </span>
<p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My
brushpan hit the mirror and off she toppled to the floor breaking
apart in front of my eyes.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now,
once I take an abandonded and forgotten item into, my care, I get
upset if I break it. I want to give things a new lease of life, a new
home. There it was on the floor, ruined. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
brushed the scattered pieces on to the shovel and to my surprise
there were some things that had fallen out from between the picture
and the frame. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Leaning
in, I shuffled them around. To find, a carefully and lovingly placed
lock of hair, in the corner of an envelope.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFXeStf4vKyRPMR1NR6ePno5vN7-7uKQJw2I5FvdSW93vzLNz2fKbfK3ZI_HmZtJsxu5eRMCQXWZeqFTbzCTo4Q4ZJCZEagX933wyq9h75xI8khAzk2I5w_9JJpVl9wFHPm7dIvx1A9nwXQoCqD597W5N6VeOehrJBJYx8RZtbvS-kpRFONhypMlVcg/s4217/When%20Clouds%20have%20Vanished%20And%20Skies%20Are%20Blue.%20Wayne%20Colquhoun..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4217" data-original-width="3399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFXeStf4vKyRPMR1NR6ePno5vN7-7uKQJw2I5FvdSW93vzLNz2fKbfK3ZI_HmZtJsxu5eRMCQXWZeqFTbzCTo4Q4ZJCZEagX933wyq9h75xI8khAzk2I5w_9JJpVl9wFHPm7dIvx1A9nwXQoCqD597W5N6VeOehrJBJYx8RZtbvS-kpRFONhypMlVcg/s320/When%20Clouds%20have%20Vanished%20And%20Skies%20Are%20Blue.%20Wayne%20Colquhoun..jpg" width="258" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And a
newspaper cutting. With a poem.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I sat
down and read it out loud.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When
clouds have vanished and skies are blue,</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'll
come back, sweetheart, to you,</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Back
to the best pal I ever knew,</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Your
smiles and your love so true:</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Back
through the gateway of golden days,</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There
my dream love always stays,</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When
clouds have vanished and skies are blue,</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'll
come back to you. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
looked into the gaze of the pretty lady wishing I knew who she was.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She
had touched my heart as I shed a tear.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
repaired the little momento of anothers past and placed it in a
better spot where it won't ever get harmed.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
now, this anonymous lady, </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Is a
part of my life too.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She
stares back at me, as if to thank me:</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
pretty girl I never knew,</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her,
with those smiles and love so true.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">©</span>Wayne
Colquhoun </span>
</p><br /><p></p>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-63334111481482655482022-11-05T14:30:00.001+00:002022-11-05T14:30:38.888+00:00Save Plumpton Terrace-From Liverpool City Council.<p><span style="font-size: large;">Along
Everton Road.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiz4hZQyD0-OinyRee01576rx3H-33KqGvSNSknaxCr-VaVi5nAuvkIl24XUmeNECKTOpviYGaRyP6Nj5UpAo_GfaWT3TdXyPeSi8Cc1p6taY4VJYoW-SYI1GEy6YdVxxr5XXfFhtyx9oPyfI6qPNmcZi78W4wJhhmn6Fnphv9Vm2NEl813-lEPyJ5w/s2339/Plumpton%20Terrace%20Everton%20Liverpool..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1654" data-original-width="2339" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiz4hZQyD0-OinyRee01576rx3H-33KqGvSNSknaxCr-VaVi5nAuvkIl24XUmeNECKTOpviYGaRyP6Nj5UpAo_GfaWT3TdXyPeSi8Cc1p6taY4VJYoW-SYI1GEy6YdVxxr5XXfFhtyx9oPyfI6qPNmcZi78W4wJhhmn6Fnphv9Vm2NEl813-lEPyJ5w/s320/Plumpton%20Terrace%20Everton%20Liverpool..jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;">There is a tall grand terrace. </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A long brick structure,
a row with its principles of Georgian design almost intact. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">With
remnents of its doorway fanlight faded glory. It stands there tall in
defiance.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I will
not be moved it says to me, in the autumn sunshine.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> I will not fall
down, no matter what you do. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Built 1824. there are a few alterations
and a bit of work could be put right.</b></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Generally
I hate mock Georgian. The proportions don't work because the ceiling
heights are usually reduced. This is the real thing. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Looking smaller
than its three storeys in pictures, than its true scale. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">It stands
there as if it has been left behind and in another timezone.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKbKwgdBOQYqJPZuHLWoeIh0RiYkmFASPtP4WNe-QwIZIJsB-F94h9FjF_RZ79q8yEzNP-frTYXfzfxTQtdzO0yoRoOfUNVP8_k6da0uts4NYsqY-lM6BexjrITWGvALps50CBIavV2PODx8ArwhNn0A6MWyO3eMQxnVuKY6jzB1fH_9b55TDB7GBGA/s2560/Plumpton%20Terrace%20owned%20by%20Liverpool%20City%20Council.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKbKwgdBOQYqJPZuHLWoeIh0RiYkmFASPtP4WNe-QwIZIJsB-F94h9FjF_RZ79q8yEzNP-frTYXfzfxTQtdzO0yoRoOfUNVP8_k6da0uts4NYsqY-lM6BexjrITWGvALps50CBIavV2PODx8ArwhNn0A6MWyO3eMQxnVuKY6jzB1fH_9b55TDB7GBGA/s320/Plumpton%20Terrace%20owned%20by%20Liverpool%20City%20Council.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Liverpool
in the 1980's. </span>
<p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You
could almost put its faded elegance to a UB40 soundtrack and without
too much effort, imagine what it was like in the late seventies in
post war decline Liverpool, managed decline. Thatcher decline. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When
the mantra was to manage that decline because Liverpool was dying in
front of our eyes.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">I saw
it in spray can graffiti before grafitti became fashionable.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> “<span style="font-size: medium;">Will
the last person to leave Liverpool switch off the lights'.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was
a distress call. A pleading. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Vandalism in protest.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I know
because I have done it too. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Declaring that Lady Doreen and Sir Trevor Jones in my opinion were “Partners in Slime”.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
terrace plus the adjoining row which are in good order were mentioned
in 'Buildings of Liverpool'...saying they were needing attention. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That
book was published by Liverpool City Council in 1978.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just
how can this be allowed to happen to such an imposing row of
beautiful proportioned dwellings? </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">It is
owned by Liverpool City Council, thats how. </span></b>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfo4yNbY7Czcp51wBn2Z1jXGUOovvUoMzfmMwNX5sbU8FARijyTO8rMY0OFpzLeL__ukLkxDVJ9v1rOeSe8S116Gt4XoUR5VpKmJKhp2xgXdZJGc4BctjlpQPFYup697spg3rvfCJXMHyGS3rt0q_-c8K502g5SaSO_u20eGtw5S0-yaS7yJgj778cQ/s2560/Plumpton%20Terrace%20Everton%20left%20to%20rot%20by%20Liverpool%20City%20Council%20who%20own%20it..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfo4yNbY7Czcp51wBn2Z1jXGUOovvUoMzfmMwNX5sbU8FARijyTO8rMY0OFpzLeL__ukLkxDVJ9v1rOeSe8S116Gt4XoUR5VpKmJKhp2xgXdZJGc4BctjlpQPFYup697spg3rvfCJXMHyGS3rt0q_-c8K502g5SaSO_u20eGtw5S0-yaS7yJgj778cQ/s320/Plumpton%20Terrace%20Everton%20left%20to%20rot%20by%20Liverpool%20City%20Council%20who%20own%20it..jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A
labour council who behave like Tories. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Where Mayor Joe Anderson and his
Head of Regeneration were arrested, alledgedly as partners in slime. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They and the council were probably waiting for it to get in a worst state so they can
do us all a favour.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And knock it out to one of the “Cosy”
developers that they fed with our land, that we the citizens of
Liverpool own.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Plumpton
Terrace was alive when I was young. </b></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYDlT2zDnJ3yhkKMlAKRISNfFDQppOcPGBWZcrQCQoYFQfuyNf_U1RveCdvD-F4hmm6LHfGFBWTYGB4s6FCZwh8mRlzJzrKdFyCG9WtNFDBdP2EJYtpGUKg-FurQRwjIcIULZSOUadGsyLmgdkGSu2LpedF-liBCYSSgfqPSIxv1K_HzC5R25HvGKQA/s2560/Plumpton%20Terrace%20Everton%20%20Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYDlT2zDnJ3yhkKMlAKRISNfFDQppOcPGBWZcrQCQoYFQfuyNf_U1RveCdvD-F4hmm6LHfGFBWTYGB4s6FCZwh8mRlzJzrKdFyCG9WtNFDBdP2EJYtpGUKg-FurQRwjIcIULZSOUadGsyLmgdkGSu2LpedF-liBCYSSgfqPSIxv1K_HzC5R25HvGKQA/s320/Plumpton%20Terrace%20Everton%20%20Door.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Everton
Road leads into St Domingo Road and thats where I was born in Wye
Street almost next to Everton Library that is still standing. </span>
<p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Just
about. </span></b>
</p><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">It may
receive some attention soon.
</span></b></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Or is
that another empty Liverpool heritage promise? </span></b>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Across the road is the beautiful and historic </span><a href="http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2015/03/st-georges-everton.html" style="font-size: large;" target="_blank">Grade I listed St Georges Church. </a></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Which was my church of St Georges infant school, where we
were led to pray before I discovered the untruths contained within
religion.</span> </p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">I walk
through its gatepost entrance, that I once climbed and clung to, and
threw confetti over my neighbour in celebration as he walked through it, beneath me with his bride, on his marriage day.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is
easy for you to imagine yourself in the countryside.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ky1kN82R7ZhaD6UxPNpJBQ3jW0prU-T7_4KF9GseKkU_fXk9cIlBScoNroaNT8WGvr3z1RNiXU54XLvkciTQYKC0qbm5qgI4EGaAhHCYCn7W-FMBMBfZyyHeuyjsB7y6U2hlQe419pgsrOyksyRq9wmpFmZp-dyz20F7jwig5-tohGvNjTtzNFdkXA/s2560/St%20Georges%20Church%20Everton%20%20in%20stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ky1kN82R7ZhaD6UxPNpJBQ3jW0prU-T7_4KF9GseKkU_fXk9cIlBScoNroaNT8WGvr3z1RNiXU54XLvkciTQYKC0qbm5qgI4EGaAhHCYCn7W-FMBMBfZyyHeuyjsB7y6U2hlQe419pgsrOyksyRq9wmpFmZp-dyz20F7jwig5-tohGvNjTtzNFdkXA/s320/St%20Georges%20Church%20Everton%20%20in%20stone.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">At the
top of Beacon lane. </span>
<p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">St
Georges platau has always been an important place.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Feel
the craftsman cut 18</span></span><sup><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">th</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
century script in the historic stones, that all tell a story, in the
graveyard and you can feel the history through your fingertips</span></span></b></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_66c7cD5KRm-hoIkWTjm2DXEDCUaegp9b5ChaoF4keObbiEzdCdgKZGaxgF25OkRDo1h51ijLhx6U0k-Mb-CSAlKnRRTyslu1FAnXtpYGRwFCYemi4H_eMX8fEgg90kS6sj1hgsA7BF3PITMisRwhF81PfbBSLQngLBW2Pir3ES1HZFy-8y2P4BWEcA/s2560/St%20Georges%20Church%20Everton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_66c7cD5KRm-hoIkWTjm2DXEDCUaegp9b5ChaoF4keObbiEzdCdgKZGaxgF25OkRDo1h51ijLhx6U0k-Mb-CSAlKnRRTyslu1FAnXtpYGRwFCYemi4H_eMX8fEgg90kS6sj1hgsA7BF3PITMisRwhF81PfbBSLQngLBW2Pir3ES1HZFy-8y2P4BWEcA/s320/St%20Georges%20Church%20Everton.jpg" width="180" /></a></div></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3oLjBBc9gI5WDjxr3xw3vB85EbgPiuE29yEuZQ7n7uR36htVs7MmbihZDTsgR3FREeZT4C8nR-2un1mAt7F1aEvOQl4zRJjkq3doT0K1RWspz5nMAEkBIfw2HnqHPvVnQRwL-YVKUcfAiqiYoMlcT7I8p-t2leXtsryvZ0BjDOY4IxPEuEswN505lQ/s2560/St%20Georges%20Church%20Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3oLjBBc9gI5WDjxr3xw3vB85EbgPiuE29yEuZQ7n7uR36htVs7MmbihZDTsgR3FREeZT4C8nR-2un1mAt7F1aEvOQl4zRJjkq3doT0K1RWspz5nMAEkBIfw2HnqHPvVnQRwL-YVKUcfAiqiYoMlcT7I8p-t2leXtsryvZ0BjDOY4IxPEuEswN505lQ/s320/St%20Georges%20Church%20Door.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />I got
quite emotional there today. Maybe I was remembering sitting inside
looking up at the majesty of its architecture when as a six year old,
not knowing that this was a Rickman design but knowing that it was
special. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Or maybe it was recalling my mothers funeral service that
was held there recently. I dont know, but I do know that the sense of
place that I still feel to this area is within my soul.</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There
is a bit of, a new, mad looking Acadamy heading back to Plumpton
Terrace. The place where as a child I once went to the Red Triangle
club. That was a long time before the Kung Fu fighting Bruce Lee
craze took hold. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is where another neighbour of mines brother,
Steve, older than me, trained. He went to compete at the Olympics.
The Red Triangle has trained some good people. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And kept many young
Liverpudlians off the street. Maybe gave them some pride. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
area has had its ups and downs and most of it is on the up. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>We
need to Save Plumpton Terrace-From Liverpool City Council. </b></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While
there are fortunes going into new build shoe boxes, we need to respect
the past, where we come from.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
building, or buildings need to be saved.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
what could it be, well as I remember those dark Boys from the
Blackstuff days.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I can also remember how I felt proud to have a
certiificate, a City and Guilds certificate. That showed that I had
trained as a proper apprentice. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That I had served my time, not
inside, where poverty wants to grab you and take you down to. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But as
a carpenter. “You will never be out of work” I was told. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwOJ96jc-_Qm1qfS-GoEXcnZIvrDe42_WEqi5CG7HrzVFiZsbEzbEmfUxchnALru2MXuTBwGISGOsv9yavCq8lefl52s4wds39NNpnur3cXdJMAfISCl61Y6o9HiimPozm2z4AQA17qXWJ_aGM0jLqtQKxbX5VFjehidApZpottNitmVYa_2LTJQtXg/s2560/Plumpton%20Terrace%20Everton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwOJ96jc-_Qm1qfS-GoEXcnZIvrDe42_WEqi5CG7HrzVFiZsbEzbEmfUxchnALru2MXuTBwGISGOsv9yavCq8lefl52s4wds39NNpnur3cXdJMAfISCl61Y6o9HiimPozm2z4AQA17qXWJ_aGM0jLqtQKxbX5VFjehidApZpottNitmVYa_2LTJQtXg/s320/Plumpton%20Terrace%20Everton.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">Now
Liverpool needs more trademen. Good lads and now ladies, who will feel the same pride
as I did.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Like
the mythical plasterer written into Alan Bleasdales script who signed
his name on the corner of his wall because he was so proud of his
work. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes I remember him too.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Everton
needs to rekindle its pride and look after its youth and give it hope
and a new future.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Plumpton
Terrace could just be the place to do that.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b style="font-size: large;">Save Plumpton Terrace-From Liverpool City Council who have let it
decline and will let it fall down.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0se1shkAdloh_hbhN0Eti1Sv5dtHUjtJe7L6dG_z8X6c6hFaNEwRqHifa6Z5vcElm6DCY3F790ASEsK76372C8S8sHZTs73wL1CGD_5CnI9XLic_QOHKv6ZlxT2SfdOCJuGVcPx3bnNx_B8jxDuR9RiUdooBmSxPUWJiu-i2xahNRcZRFCGcFZCRHGw/s2560/Everton%20Library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0se1shkAdloh_hbhN0Eti1Sv5dtHUjtJe7L6dG_z8X6c6hFaNEwRqHifa6Z5vcElm6DCY3F790ASEsK76372C8S8sHZTs73wL1CGD_5CnI9XLic_QOHKv6ZlxT2SfdOCJuGVcPx3bnNx_B8jxDuR9RiUdooBmSxPUWJiu-i2xahNRcZRFCGcFZCRHGw/s320/Everton%20Library.jpg" width="180" /></a></b></span></div>
<p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>If we
let them.</b> <a href="http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2018/09/littlewoods-goes-up-in-flames-i-am.html" target="_blank">They Are Guilty</a> </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/06/i-was-born-just-off-st-domingo-road.html" target="_blank">Liverpool The City That Knocked The Cavern Down And Then Called Itself Beatles Town.</a></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>SAVE EVERTON LIBRARY TOO</b></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Living In Liverpool Its too hard to bear sometimes</span></b></p></div>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-64620741261723584012022-03-06T19:17:00.034+00:002022-03-06T19:39:14.796+00:00Antiques Roadshow Coming To Liverpools Sefton Park Palmhouse.<p> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Sefton
Park Palm House. </b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Will host the Antiques Roadshow for a Valuation day on the 28</b></span><b><sup><span style="font-size: medium;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: medium;"> June 2022.</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIKGBCOXWKyK3It8zk4g5ddDE-plmSIKEOwFbrrgOqQecroGRucpkdwpM00rvuZPq0zEBYguZJSYD5q4aH_Gkg7duf9k9GaS_3S1TuRMg7_DtwZc-RTyMns9JMc0_g9Uhk2YdQoY2MMFcrFV-CUnLwfUZ7CiveJ_H7XPEr4jdyU3eRcMId0obc1Q0XYg=s4624" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIKGBCOXWKyK3It8zk4g5ddDE-plmSIKEOwFbrrgOqQecroGRucpkdwpM00rvuZPq0zEBYguZJSYD5q4aH_Gkg7duf9k9GaS_3S1TuRMg7_DtwZc-RTyMns9JMc0_g9Uhk2YdQoY2MMFcrFV-CUnLwfUZ7CiveJ_H7XPEr4jdyU3eRcMId0obc1Q0XYg=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
magnificent structure in its wonderful parkland setting will see over
a thousand people bring their cherished items, and car boot finds
along for appraisal.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was
so proud to be invited to become a member of the <a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2014/09/antiques-roadshow-what-amazing.html" target="_blank">Antiques Roadshow</a>
team and to be hosting a Roadshow day in my home town, well it does
not get better than that. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For
decades every Sunday night I watched the programme. The programme
that inspired me to become an antique specialist. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I said
to my mate <a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2012/04/eric-knowles-calls-in-to-film-put-your.html" target="_blank">Eric Knowles,</a> when I joined the team.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I
can remember sitting there in me short pants, watching you talk about
<a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2012/09/eric-knowles-calls-in-for-cuppa.html" target="_blank">Art Deco figurines”.</a></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Cheeky
Monkey” he said in his Burnley accent “I'm not that old”</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sefton
Park built by Liverpools forefathers to give gentle relaxation and
greenery to both the gentry and the working classes. And an escape
from the industrial grime. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is a place I have visited all my
life. From a very early age. During school holidays, unable to afford
a week away we would go on days out. On bus trips and spend the whole
day walking around the park. Though we lived closer to Stanley park
with its boating lake which too has a Palm House it was a special
treat to visit the mini Kew Gardens with its gigantic plants and its
Aviary with its exotic species. The colours of the birds a complete
eye opening contrast to the soot covered monochrome world not far
from the docks where we lived and my father worked. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I would sit and
draw birds for hours on end during primary school taking paper home
to do voluntary homework. I trained a Kestrel. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpesAKkjOIpfbCSHGkzOO0-7uQbO4le9l494mSxdbu-tL39b7khmUNO2_h2l1V0sXD0lLM3_j0rJxpWqdWh0SXPW032Q1fnFtuNcsak3U5Pf6auWz6htG7bfdLQrmnQnYBax_ztIRnUYUsanhiW8sbUveOlGrkoxymiudxGLEEvx4DHu72RGoXEmvzzA=s4624" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpesAKkjOIpfbCSHGkzOO0-7uQbO4le9l494mSxdbu-tL39b7khmUNO2_h2l1V0sXD0lLM3_j0rJxpWqdWh0SXPW032Q1fnFtuNcsak3U5Pf6auWz6htG7bfdLQrmnQnYBax_ztIRnUYUsanhiW8sbUveOlGrkoxymiudxGLEEvx4DHu72RGoXEmvzzA=s320" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Then
we could meander over to the bandstand and visit the famous cafe, still
thriving today.</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
there we would see the Peter Pan statue which was a treat for childrens sore eyes. And of course
the famous Eros statue that is just by the cafe.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI81W6ePNZMkitb-snGUDhC9ALCQfmCLEGMro_5Qt5Z-nY6GWUo_usG5o8_iBWGS6H5g-FSByAMAuLh-YBlz6t_e6ABjWUc8BKoOXidmN5MY_jejKSbX8FzRjKKDdS5fyPQJEH6IrLUobSXLvCG9nmeHdnbasReLNrandrG8WjNkl0ZtrLQMCgZJIvmg=s4624" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI81W6ePNZMkitb-snGUDhC9ALCQfmCLEGMro_5Qt5Z-nY6GWUo_usG5o8_iBWGS6H5g-FSByAMAuLh-YBlz6t_e6ABjWUc8BKoOXidmN5MY_jejKSbX8FzRjKKDdS5fyPQJEH6IrLUobSXLvCG9nmeHdnbasReLNrandrG8WjNkl0ZtrLQMCgZJIvmg=s320" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As you
walk today watch carefully and you may see a wild Parakeet flying
overhead, that had escaped from the cages that held the birds.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then
as a teenager and member of an infamous Fishing club I would
sometimes, weather permiiting, in the summertime, board our clapped
out smiley faced Charabang after doing my paper round and wolfing
down my tea. And then we would drive to the lake to set the tackle up and
pitch a line and a float in hoping to catch a perch or a roach. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There
on the bank sitting still against a mirror like calm, occasionally
broken by a swan or two and a gaggling group of Canada Geese landing. And those quacking ducks that gorged themselves on the loaves of bread they
were fed by children with their parents or grandparents
escaping the humdrum of everyday life. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0BO03KfOPOSqxniGQSuNQJWbd0N6cFVvCLRxFmnwzwdmYz3oYEyldGm2niThwb96muM4CUH4atRFqd1K6Mtm23ekT0H7WU5UK8TgLV7liBaZG6X7SwOzz9FwDLzBDHjdTBNahncWKfXRSnndzr9fbILVrQQxgr2IUAUAUPOZsJejjc4aHZueEIC5udw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0BO03KfOPOSqxniGQSuNQJWbd0N6cFVvCLRxFmnwzwdmYz3oYEyldGm2niThwb96muM4CUH4atRFqd1K6Mtm23ekT0H7WU5UK8TgLV7liBaZG6X7SwOzz9FwDLzBDHjdTBNahncWKfXRSnndzr9fbILVrQQxgr2IUAUAUPOZsJejjc4aHZueEIC5udw" width="306" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Years
later I laughed in sadness at that wonderful sketch in 'Boys From The
Blackstuff' where Yozzer Hughes who had gone slowly mad after losing
his wife and children and fed up trolling the boards asking all and
sundry to “Giz a Job” wades in to the lake. Sefton Park Lake. To
drown himself. </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">He went to see the Priest pleading with him</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> “I am
desperate” over and over again, pleading with him. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">“I am
desperate" in a sadder pitch. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The other side of the confessional
screen and the Priest feeling his desperation says “Call me Dan”</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">I'm
Desperate Dan” he replies. He went mad.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There
was nothing left to do. He had given up. He waded into the lake.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Only
to get half way across and the water only came up to his knees. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Life
was so bad for Yozzer he couldn't even end it all.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">He
just can't do anything right. When life goes against you. </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">And it was
like that in Liverpool at the time. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
decline of the docks. Industry had gone and unemployment was high.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw5zcvsR3jF2___TKbhCNkDHKgky_rsyFLkfY8h7f_NwqR6Yb2JSDjKp-q9t1wfZeDbGvcCTOxMIRonCSFzcsHFelO6VTRBLY8ZMD6It80qonD9lZZmsDRGGukCbGi1aL4FwtMQNtMZfiGA3c6UcAJPONva314W7RVG6Pts6VfIfZgI_yRgXu9cZofqQ=s267" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="200" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw5zcvsR3jF2___TKbhCNkDHKgky_rsyFLkfY8h7f_NwqR6Yb2JSDjKp-q9t1wfZeDbGvcCTOxMIRonCSFzcsHFelO6VTRBLY8ZMD6It80qonD9lZZmsDRGGukCbGi1aL4FwtMQNtMZfiGA3c6UcAJPONva314W7RVG6Pts6VfIfZgI_yRgXu9cZofqQ" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">This
was the time that Sefton Park Palm house fell into dis-repair. It was
a sorry state. There was no money, so it was claimed by the City
Council. This was the Hatton era. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And it started to get vandalised. </span>
<p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />I
recall stopping my car once and walking through the missing panes of
glass and almost crying at the sad state of neglect and the sorry
state of the place. The plants had all died. There were no avaries. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
did not cry. I got angry and became a <a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/06/i-was-born-just-off-st-domingo-road.html" target="_blank">heritage campaigner</a> fighting a
corrupt council whose <a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2019/06/liverpool-threatened-with-world.html" target="_blank">councillors and officials</a> were lining their
pockets, with the peoples hard earned rates. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaZzYnnLSLE3XX8lRhvLjl5PDCEdtUcewacXf9PUxSu4lniu-6gB5ACu4yZpJky7nFifNXNlR-MIZYFJGc5X91pzN0-T2F1bTZywbDiX56Oazfj5gbznnZyy_BXRlLQlvKG67pgkeHf2lfeQ1EdDCO0HHsB24q6cstIBSER01l79tXNE38VQ_7ZwXwrA=s750" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="750" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaZzYnnLSLE3XX8lRhvLjl5PDCEdtUcewacXf9PUxSu4lniu-6gB5ACu4yZpJky7nFifNXNlR-MIZYFJGc5X91pzN0-T2F1bTZywbDiX56Oazfj5gbznnZyy_BXRlLQlvKG67pgkeHf2lfeQ1EdDCO0HHsB24q6cstIBSER01l79tXNE38VQ_7ZwXwrA=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />The
lake was left to choke up and all the fish died. They drained it and
found loads of shards of pottery, some <a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2009/06/herculaneum-pottery-held-by-liverpool.html" target="_blank">Herculaneum</a>, that had been
dumped there. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Liverpool had escaped the Luftwaffe but it couldnt escape
the dim wiited corrupt councillors who lined their pockets with
greed.</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A
campaign was won, grant funding was found and like a Pheonix it
raised itself from the ashes and became a venue. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I went
to a wedding there. In the afternoon. A wedding in a greenhouse I
thought “Now thats clever. It was very hot. The sun would eventually set and a good
evening would then be had by all.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> I did a gig there. <a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/05/stranger-on-shore-one-of-my-favourite.html" target="_blank">As a clarinettist</a>.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another one some months later outside
the cafe on a Sunday afternoon. Part of the amazing Gerry Harrison's Jazz Workshop. Then progressing I did a gig on the bandstand
with my little group. The Penny Lane Jazz Band. We were not that good
at the time, but it was great experience. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Experience to stand there in
front of people and of course in order to live you have to die a
thousand deaths.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, I
got a job. As a specialist on the Antiques Roadshow and when asked by
our Executive Producer Robert, “Did I have an idea for a suitable
venue”. I calmly said “Yes I do”. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And in June 2022. Hopefully,
if they let me, I will be there on national TV, a proud Liverpudlian
alongside some of the best antique brains in the country. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With
an accent exeedingly rare. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dreaming
about what I will find. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One
thing is for sure. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9KMjA1fmBUKeJW04Qm1r1_3vK_-NSAO13C-kTIivm0_I_00Ip5OL15R2Io9tHVvijNuqY8sSBB7kaMsJ_VylPbaLfIEDrwi2t1vud2nIBd28zxWyDxcHUH272Ao4V0bmGAsYOPMq7KNSEibKpN85QFEz5lv0L_qvUvJqZyrwPPjM-l684vog7AEuIrg=s4624" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9KMjA1fmBUKeJW04Qm1r1_3vK_-NSAO13C-kTIivm0_I_00Ip5OL15R2Io9tHVvijNuqY8sSBB7kaMsJ_VylPbaLfIEDrwi2t1vud2nIBd28zxWyDxcHUH272Ao4V0bmGAsYOPMq7KNSEibKpN85QFEz5lv0L_qvUvJqZyrwPPjM-l684vog7AEuIrg=s320" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">I know
I will find a welcome for all my colleages from the people of my home
town and they will bring along, their humour, their stories and their
warmth. </span>
<p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I cant
wait to show the team the place, that has been a massive part of my
life. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b>The
Palm House Sefton Park Liverpool, in all its majesty.</b></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p></div>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-155622342847651012022-02-23T16:58:00.032+00:002022-02-23T17:11:37.078+00:00Benin and Me.<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I
can't remember the exact year, but I know I was quite young and I was
not allowed to stay up late. But on this occasion I had somehow
slipped through the dragnet of home discipline and found myself
watching TV late at night. Alone.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Though
this seemed like a treat, this was the 70's and way before all night
television had been sanctioned by the milk snatcher, Thatcher.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There
was the testcard. That strange surreal image of a young girl with
some form of a puppet in her hand. If you fell asleep there was a
piercing sound that was suppose to wake you up.</span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Or there was, late
nights on BBC2, and as I swept the...dial around, to change channels,
I found the Open University. Wow, exciting I thought. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjrW-wImVWeS7nsUJ_tX9TUloRvQcHwReXeUpiYk5A1fSk9vRvWKhWTAYBN_rNE_OTmdShG9m4upvCbol5Y1BS6tOPRsQ7rDdvSKVsCYR87CrVH1njuOhBPOHfvPtALO0NktNfjE_yY-m56HajKfAw46HLXdLoSlO8rdBC9MQZZHbqJ5h4tKut7NIQRA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjrW-wImVWeS7nsUJ_tX9TUloRvQcHwReXeUpiYk5A1fSk9vRvWKhWTAYBN_rNE_OTmdShG9m4upvCbol5Y1BS6tOPRsQ7rDdvSKVsCYR87CrVH1njuOhBPOHfvPtALO0NktNfjE_yY-m56HajKfAw46HLXdLoSlO8rdBC9MQZZHbqJ5h4tKut7NIQRA" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It
was not quite the contra band that I was looking for. The last time I
had escaped the sleep shackles I had watched 'The Invisible Shrinking
Man' in black and white. </span></span><p></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It had scared the life out of me. </span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The giant
spider hunting the slowly diminishing character left a particular
impression.</span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I
may as well go to bed I though as the novelty of being up late had
worn off. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Then a programme started.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> In black and white, but
immediately I was captured by an image that may well have changed my
life. </span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was a bronze head with striated lines incised into it, lines
that rolled down the contours of the cheeks. </span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was a dark colour and
had overall shape that was different. Made of metal. </span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was a Benin
bronze bust. </span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was transfixed as the black and white screen seemed as
if by magic to turn to technicolour as my imagination tripped in on
what I was seeing. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQRAMy0AAI5Hma_I0d0Y8qTJvY0gvxHZsru5qQ-5TLoeEIhs-CSWrZllB_hHttOyaE02R5R2aoWYz4D2UihtQNTt9UCWXMcSpWR5RwUx1h8dh7EIT4Qu8J_G5YHwFHZaKGX0G3l04lix8U4jdE7PNFF9EpirqO4Rw9810wZNSoSkkmn-4WYFcihPwy5g=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQRAMy0AAI5Hma_I0d0Y8qTJvY0gvxHZsru5qQ-5TLoeEIhs-CSWrZllB_hHttOyaE02R5R2aoWYz4D2UihtQNTt9UCWXMcSpWR5RwUx1h8dh7EIT4Qu8J_G5YHwFHZaKGX0G3l04lix8U4jdE7PNFF9EpirqO4Rw9810wZNSoSkkmn-4WYFcihPwy5g=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Or
what seemed to be seeing me. Staring back at me from the tiny
monochrome screen.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
glare from the wonder with those scarifications woke me up. I was
going nowhere. </span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The filmaker had the camera pan around this wonderous
object, while the narrator told the story in that typical colonial
BBC plum in mouth language. Stating that “When they were 'found'
it. It was thought that a ancient greek civilisation had been
discovered”. </span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well what they were trying to say is that the people
of Africa were not clever enough to make objects that scrap up to
western art. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
I saw something more. I felt a power that was not like the ornementation around me. Those strange
Capi demonte style porcelain things in peoples houses that I saw on
sideboards.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
did not know why, at this early morning time. Nor did I understand
how these images described, as if they were “lost castings by
Donatello” the great Florentine Renaissance scupltor. But they hooked me in.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The admiratation through gritted teeth, was taken away
by the overarching slur that at the time they were found, that no
African was capable of producing, or understanding the lost wax
process. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How
the BBC loved to demean. David Attenborough just about got away with it.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the bush, finding pygmies, to make himself look and sound clever with his BBC
speak.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
I saw something else from the spot on the floor, in front of that box
of images. That night, that changed my life. I did not understand
then, just what it was that pulled me out of my armchair. Whether it
was the story of the intrepid explorers who had “found” them. </span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Or
how they made a measured encroachment into my soul as if they were
talking to me. </span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was looking at the image of a past being who wanted
to engage my stare. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7jVvgT0XQrTuU6Vs_RhJztgONcO8T2KuyH8EcK6Tm1oTspEV4X_ph2ximAkCM0nng7A2D18i2DhwJ7e7IMr-O3OAlRb4HMshKgyhhu41mh0oOlO3lIOlGPnQk3-pnZwfISNiMFcnpOGpEXrqXqW07xQaYbP5zhY5-QD3-nawCvG7mXnY_NFI9H2Y8wQ=s4281" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3279" data-original-width="4281" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7jVvgT0XQrTuU6Vs_RhJztgONcO8T2KuyH8EcK6Tm1oTspEV4X_ph2ximAkCM0nng7A2D18i2DhwJ7e7IMr-O3OAlRb4HMshKgyhhu41mh0oOlO3lIOlGPnQk3-pnZwfISNiMFcnpOGpEXrqXqW07xQaYbP5zhY5-QD3-nawCvG7mXnY_NFI9H2Y8wQ=s320" width="320" /></a></span>The
Oba, of whose face this was a lifelike cast. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This ancient ruler of Ife would have no idea that I would be
peering through the medium of the 20</span></span></span><sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">th</span></span></span></sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
century. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Through that box in the living room, that transported you to
places in the past. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">To distant lands.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
at this point in my life I hardly ever saw a black person. My mind
was full of stereotypical juxtapositions. Of Black and White
Minstrels. Of natives in grass skirts, Micheal Caine and Stanley
Baker taking on the Zulus. </span></span>
<p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
would be decades before I discovered the genius of Louis Armstrong
and The Duke of Ellington. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
those images stayed with me as I sometimes caught sight of them
again. </span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Over the years they became familiar to me.</span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I
would eventually see some of them in the British museum. Where I
would not be impressed with all. But several of the busts would help
me understand that art is emotion and most of the icons of the 20</span></span></span><sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">th</span></span></span></sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
century were directly or maybe indirectly inspired by <a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2016/05/henry-moore-or-less.html" target="_blank">'primitive
work</a>' such as these bronzes. More than I had first thought. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Greek art, above Roman would be created, to attempt to capture the
spirit of a being, rather than just the likeness.</span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Felix
von Luschan, a curator at the Berlin Ethnographic Museum, explained
to an audience more familiar with European art, famously comparing
them to the work of celebrated Italian Renaissance sculptor, stating,
‘Benvenuto Cellini could not have made a better cast himself, and
no one has before or since, even to the present day. These bronzes
stand even at the summit of what can be technically achieved.’ he
added.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI0EZnvZ3T4POHZKVmbqkOWIZ03RWCbpL66x5fAqE19psk9CVfYC3dnd3kVnWLCGZC5M0bbV6hrIRkmUxrkpZZGla9WxCu0UqOzkXNEFaRQpj9gRUEm1EyLaNp4_4ohACMoAhcf0INZHuKzQy8lCSP90h9_s7g1mBmXZrFXhEVRj_DEtPwrnF9mm9u-A=s3852" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3852" data-original-width="3180" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI0EZnvZ3T4POHZKVmbqkOWIZ03RWCbpL66x5fAqE19psk9CVfYC3dnd3kVnWLCGZC5M0bbV6hrIRkmUxrkpZZGla9WxCu0UqOzkXNEFaRQpj9gRUEm1EyLaNp4_4ohACMoAhcf0INZHuKzQy8lCSP90h9_s7g1mBmXZrFXhEVRj_DEtPwrnF9mm9u-A=s320" width="264" /></a></span>Well
there you go!</span></span></span></p><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">We
say bronzes but more accuratly they were cast from brass, copper and
sometimes bronze. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">The tradition b</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">egan
in Benin before the 13th century, and large-scale artworks were first
commissioned under Oba Ewuare I (1440-70s). Commemorative heads made
for royal altars date back to the 16th century, maybe earlier. From
the 18th century onwards, artists carved scenes into the ivory tusks
that had always surmounted the bronze heads, providing even greater
visual reference to the memory of the life’s work of the honoured
Oba. </span></span></span></span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Craftsmen also cast sculptures of messengers, vanquished foe,
and foreign allies to celebrate the lives of past kings through
tableaux for the altar. </span></span></span></span>
<p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">In
the Edo language, the verb </span></span></span></span><em><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">sa-e-y-ama
</span></span></span></span></em><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">means
‘to remember’, but its literal translation is ‘to cast a motif
in bronze’. </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">At the courts of Benin, art in bronze perpetuates
memory; and the first commissions of every Benin king were, and are
sculptures, in bronze and ivory, for his father’s altar. To
remember him.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Benin bronzes went into some of the most prestigous European
collections. </span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After the British occupation of Benin City in 1897,
during the reign of Oba Ovonramwen (1888–97). By August 1898, most
of the ivory and bronze artworks seized by the British from the royal
treasury had been sold in large public auctions. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
was the age when colonials thought they could go round looting the
heritage of ancient civilisations.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By
the early 1900's, nearly all of the bronzes were in public and
private collections in the United Kingdom, Germany and Austria. The
Obas of Benin have been asking for their return for decades.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">National
Museum of Nigeria and Lagos houses the collection of Ife art.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Ile Ife as it is known was a city in Nigeria and was ruled by </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Oba.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5BAkHzybN8eHhIpW-JCT5h7ZKrd5TGiVdrDlcmo7cY1BLke0OGRmdLUo7m5VFwETdjEOM8mvjniXWiIImjCibVcy19XhxuyaWT-zBK1KO9f5oQmR_pm6kMJeK95xRxigiXgKWSK3VKPKZVhTBFikANgTX5hNouznFY_GMUQHd7fE4tGPEcablp86uDA=s4624" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5BAkHzybN8eHhIpW-JCT5h7ZKrd5TGiVdrDlcmo7cY1BLke0OGRmdLUo7m5VFwETdjEOM8mvjniXWiIImjCibVcy19XhxuyaWT-zBK1KO9f5oQmR_pm6kMJeK95xRxigiXgKWSK3VKPKZVhTBFikANgTX5hNouznFY_GMUQHd7fE4tGPEcablp86uDA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Yoruba,
the ethnic group in the region describe Ife as their spiritual
capital. The current inhabitants have decided that it is where the
civilisation came from. </span><p></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">And all will return for re-incarnation.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ife
sculptures have a unparalled realism. </span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Crowns of glass beads encrusted the sculptures.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Usually you would not see the face of the Oni and there are holes that hold beads which cover the face. They may have been worn.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yoruba polyrythyms would mix
with Portuguese as early as the 16th century and become european music. </span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fandango's and the like, played in some of the most prestigious courts. Syncopated by african drums.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn5p9AtB-Czs1TF0agiZJQK0dccDEL8HkuQ7cIEMyskvlo-UcIKqJK692CLpyBgiemPYhnD3GqlnCl00cpowzQbETs-lMt43UjK1JXFiTDaQjlfBuz1lmWjphwON5X5T7A5EjiKbTMDgCczXO-QJTeO6vJxyXJK2xAU24eO6qpo_c-hQe3_wzFcgm5AQ=s4576" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3228" data-original-width="4576" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn5p9AtB-Czs1TF0agiZJQK0dccDEL8HkuQ7cIEMyskvlo-UcIKqJK692CLpyBgiemPYhnD3GqlnCl00cpowzQbETs-lMt43UjK1JXFiTDaQjlfBuz1lmWjphwON5X5T7A5EjiKbTMDgCczXO-QJTeO6vJxyXJK2xAU24eO6qpo_c-hQe3_wzFcgm5AQ=s320" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Several
more sculptures were found in 1938 when builders were remodelling a
house.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghOXeWt9UniIayTdmgRqD9RicVI-cfRviyqAVqLLnqtKmyhwwUtXu58Pk2KtYJzgPToVVEhllsz1jQkqDFHhrYgriXY1JLdOJxXyAtSSExPX4DmWnzHpaaxIg2vR8aVHc2x7mxOeQiIii_9JyB88I5rAkdPp4hJW4OF2dIYKWeOQXVox5XepsmsVE4hQ=s3827" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="3827" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghOXeWt9UniIayTdmgRqD9RicVI-cfRviyqAVqLLnqtKmyhwwUtXu58Pk2KtYJzgPToVVEhllsz1jQkqDFHhrYgriXY1JLdOJxXyAtSSExPX4DmWnzHpaaxIg2vR8aVHc2x7mxOeQiIii_9JyB88I5rAkdPp4hJW4OF2dIYKWeOQXVox5XepsmsVE4hQ=s320" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Leo
Frobenius a German archeologist took pictures of them and the
villages from where they came.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> He contacted the New York Times and
declared that they came from the lost city of Atlantis. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Claiming he had found a lost colony of Greeks.<br /></span></span><p></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><br /></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFYKJFa5mOP6B6A_u1ho6rrba2_wwRJTyGX7pNc-X_QBRBu3hTl2JxwuaGGgwe0VxxGaPayg_zoo7wit_g2dUHztB9kcCV_H6Z2bW_-B2ieQW4Qr4aF2i_1GMgIvZ3ufz2WrrAq4KiRlc67cYEgv7aLHY5_qm3TPluH7KmiLTJodjizQsF1anHfcDz6Q=s4591" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3202" data-original-width="4591" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFYKJFa5mOP6B6A_u1ho6rrba2_wwRJTyGX7pNc-X_QBRBu3hTl2JxwuaGGgwe0VxxGaPayg_zoo7wit_g2dUHztB9kcCV_H6Z2bW_-B2ieQW4Qr4aF2i_1GMgIvZ3ufz2WrrAq4KiRlc67cYEgv7aLHY5_qm3TPluH7KmiLTJodjizQsF1anHfcDz6Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">It
would be during the search for modern art that this looted 'tribal
art' from ancient worlds would shape the 20</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">th</span></span></span></sup></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
century. </span></span></span></span></span></span><p></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2017/02/did-picasso-invent-blues.html" target="_blank">Picasso and others would help it along.</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
know how it shaped my understanding of art and I will never forget my
introduction into the captured majesty of those ancient Oba
sculptures that now mean more to me than the slush of <a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2015/07/rossetti-painted-maidens-with-eyes-like.html" target="_blank">Victoriana</a> I
see in most collections.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
sincerely hope, that I now can begin to understand the imagery of
Polynesian art and some of the beautiful First Nation American work. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6QfV2DD7vlNvzoRQyqGk5beaaxPSDkv_a7GtGRDZE2Ne0ghZGs7-0WI7ogkDvBb5g3Eh1c8fZ418cOO3_r1g2lHI9j3G2ltJhVwgV7EE0SlJisHuy785ntN3gIUaRoyNZ9GU2mLffJN2bJX9GsjsFP2HZZJ5Z9W71PEm50lU1gnvFXuvzCeyYKrM3Hg=s2560" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6QfV2DD7vlNvzoRQyqGk5beaaxPSDkv_a7GtGRDZE2Ne0ghZGs7-0WI7ogkDvBb5g3Eh1c8fZ418cOO3_r1g2lHI9j3G2ltJhVwgV7EE0SlJisHuy785ntN3gIUaRoyNZ9GU2mLffJN2bJX9GsjsFP2HZZJ5Z9W71PEm50lU1gnvFXuvzCeyYKrM3Hg=s320" width="180" /></a></div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The often overlooked art that my good friend and fellow specialist Ronnie Archer Morgan has
brought into the living rooms of those watching the Antiques Roadshow
on a Sunday evening. </span></span></span>
<p></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
so admire how he has slowly introduced art lovers to the history of
modern art through cultures past. I love how he explains the
figurative meanings within, simple art that has a complicated past.<br /></span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
hope I may now understand a little more about those geometric
patterns associated with modernity that were often looted from
kingdoms past, in Africa. And in ancient Egypt. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When
Tutenkhamun was discovered the world went crazy for those geometric
hieroglyphs and these images that were sewn into society along with
ancient rythmic syncopations from deep dark and distant worlds that
originated not far from the River Niger. From the Yoruba. Jazz was
created in Congo square, and is the biggest cultural contribution
that America has contributed to the world. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
it came from Africa. Where the Oba ruled. Ife. In the
delta that shaped the world. </span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That took Vodun across a ocean. </span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From
Dahomey.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEin2jCfdTttQTP1YOFKPaHc7-fTI4Fat3sPuFCPWYo4VARe2QmHxz9bk4hzz82CvH7bC8NJ37FPPRMaub1RmWXVT25vHKJh4bsG7eNBnBFCJGoUN3R7UnFfpWc6QRhk-mW1CHfShWv3YlZd62Ez_SpJSSrElxaZA1-y75zugAjFE6_vm82pr-4NnxeRFA=s3918" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3918" data-original-width="3099" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEin2jCfdTttQTP1YOFKPaHc7-fTI4Fat3sPuFCPWYo4VARe2QmHxz9bk4hzz82CvH7bC8NJ37FPPRMaub1RmWXVT25vHKJh4bsG7eNBnBFCJGoUN3R7UnFfpWc6QRhk-mW1CHfShWv3YlZd62Ez_SpJSSrElxaZA1-y75zugAjFE6_vm82pr-4NnxeRFA=s320" width="253" /></a></span>Though
its only recently that we paid it due, to acknowledge the debt in an
honest and constructive manner. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
studied for my pottery sculpture.</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I decided decades later, without thinking and subconsiously that I
would burnish hand thrown pots with the tone of 'skin'. And I would decorate them with markings from where I did not know. <a href="http://www.classicartdeco.co.uk/my-own-work.php">http://www.classicartdeco.co.uk/my-own-work.php</a></span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><b>I do now.</b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span></div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2QPYsLZVMYkbwRarwfonv5LIczQJrx_vQmVWSb_BD9iMdvQp-h9RIWUcLVfETHoEsVmEV9gNQMxnG6_lU_u9bsIsUTeLMsqwKSLMy4u2irx_umlfXN8aoQXYX4vSD93H9lZqqY637uTOQztWZQYjDrzi9678ynANcH9Awdqy1EiAqmBfaRy22VxV1bg=s4446" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4446" data-original-width="3334" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2QPYsLZVMYkbwRarwfonv5LIczQJrx_vQmVWSb_BD9iMdvQp-h9RIWUcLVfETHoEsVmEV9gNQMxnG6_lU_u9bsIsUTeLMsqwKSLMy4u2irx_umlfXN8aoQXYX4vSD93H9lZqqY637uTOQztWZQYjDrzi9678ynANcH9Awdqy1EiAqmBfaRy22VxV1bg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /></span></span></span><p></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Modern
art, for me, started when the Oba stared back at me one dark night
when my eyes met his ancient face. </b></span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>When I was young. </b></span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; line-height: 0.64cm; margin-bottom: 0.64cm; text-align: left;"><b style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">I
have never forgotten that face.</b></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEgu3Nm7r0Y5kTGoytKqtP3hI9Ej9ERxL0f8QCD7MlKyCY8hotfw_PKqC7bQq0Sc-ioYeiGxn4hSX932m5rhQEDH5cCIMQ4aLUp2eFTVAkbBBy_sdP3qPUraoIG9se_fH_Rw-iF80qNE5btgorbNQcBHZ1kxhMAFqyyrp5rkR676UvpmT0DjzYdXTMzA=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEgu3Nm7r0Y5kTGoytKqtP3hI9Ej9ERxL0f8QCD7MlKyCY8hotfw_PKqC7bQq0Sc-ioYeiGxn4hSX932m5rhQEDH5cCIMQ4aLUp2eFTVAkbBBy_sdP3qPUraoIG9se_fH_Rw-iF80qNE5btgorbNQcBHZ1kxhMAFqyyrp5rkR676UvpmT0DjzYdXTMzA=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p></div>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-32351994483787761332021-12-31T14:14:00.033+00:002022-01-30T13:58:09.390+00:00I Find A Stradivarius. Or Is It A Stradivarious?<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Ever
curious I recently came across a violin with a lable. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Peering
inside the case through the distinctive holes, the dealer said “Stradivarius, believe that if you want”.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It
made me wonder.....<b>What turns a musical instrument, into an myth?</b></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
purchased it knowing that there were probabaly thousands of imposters
and the labelled Stradavarius had become a by word in the antique
trade, saying to all</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> “Believe what you want, buyer beware”. </b></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I took
it home and hung it on a piece of string off the picture rail and
there it stayed. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A twenty quid talking point.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidqMV15hgG2f2bH9M9udjsQrMzgZWOK2i3VZrOunI3sgugoe0-bfi1Sed8QtygQEaA58V0SCovcCwm6amf6VXp5LkRLz6cNoTrgcFgO73FDhXT1XgEkL3hKRM_YNanigj3ZL-MTXEyY1cq4-k2b7Hx_Gt6pWhi9YMVbiAhPX89efpFTDdDSM2gTOvpTw=s1836" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="1472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidqMV15hgG2f2bH9M9udjsQrMzgZWOK2i3VZrOunI3sgugoe0-bfi1Sed8QtygQEaA58V0SCovcCwm6amf6VXp5LkRLz6cNoTrgcFgO73FDhXT1XgEkL3hKRM_YNanigj3ZL-MTXEyY1cq4-k2b7Hx_Gt6pWhi9YMVbiAhPX89efpFTDdDSM2gTOvpTw=s320" width="257" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Then
ever more recently I was told that a friend of a friend actually
owned a Stradivarius violin. </b></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A
genuine one.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>With a provenance as long as your bow arm. </b></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Ummm. Thats interesting I thought. </b></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I had the time and was given the opportunity to sift through the life of a great musician. Who had owned it. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It seemed a great honour to me. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The momentos of the vast travelling, that has to be done in pursuit of an International Concert career. It was all there for me to look at. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b style="font-size: large;">I felt honoured to peer through the window of time. </b></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj84269AZ2F19czFEvQ4YhLk3ZNc21KkJFm4-3QaeW5b_EK2aARc-ayu05fNMtXLjrQKL2ZtUioMSzIOdV1MYXZjh40DFe3G4TkRkCmJuthMUdmwS_wEqNG3585Cw3z3k2wrA_DAKaYTL8KHJWx8FAxVnqlJlz6SI46m9OKyzWLdvSkHHqgjUlfzqH1Ow=s1744" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1744" data-original-width="1430" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj84269AZ2F19czFEvQ4YhLk3ZNc21KkJFm4-3QaeW5b_EK2aARc-ayu05fNMtXLjrQKL2ZtUioMSzIOdV1MYXZjh40DFe3G4TkRkCmJuthMUdmwS_wEqNG3585Cw3z3k2wrA_DAKaYTL8KHJWx8FAxVnqlJlz6SI46m9OKyzWLdvSkHHqgjUlfzqH1Ow=s320" width="262" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I
have not seen the actual Stradivarius, but I have seen detailed photographs, heard and read
all about it. </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Its concise history is known. <b>It's in all the books.</b> Very expensive books.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Speaking
to members of the family I have peered into the life of the violinist
who it was gifted to, by her rich father. Fascinating. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
always cynical I remember watching one of the later Lovejoy episodes,
when the programme had lost its zeal, and become a Keystone
Cop's parady. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This episode involved one of the actors from The Boys From The
Blackstuff who was playing the part of a violin master </span><span style="font-size: large;">repairer</span><span style="font-size: large;">. He was being asked to fake
a Stradivarius by the loveable rogue in order to pretend it was not
real.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Though
it was a comedy it brought out some real dilemmas and asked questions
about authenticity that are lessons in life.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> “Why would you wanna
ruin a thing of beauty” Yozzers mate says being asked to turn A
Stradavarius into an 'ordinary' violin.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Far
fetched you may think?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFI28xPi3VTztS9t2zbXDwBj8et53IcnvQcuHPM1GIIlb4T1EwIq5aQ0OXsxvBp2IJ36Rewpj7ofNXcZO-h7KOTl68kxzejDoVi7d93i63_f9XuaQGldZNq3KLnZRxqHS4cprtEQm-zNK5y3ZJ-JC4bLDO-oid5DOeVlQ4W4daTuSOzgriZaEVjDABNg=s1638" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="1638" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFI28xPi3VTztS9t2zbXDwBj8et53IcnvQcuHPM1GIIlb4T1EwIq5aQ0OXsxvBp2IJ36Rewpj7ofNXcZO-h7KOTl68kxzejDoVi7d93i63_f9XuaQGldZNq3KLnZRxqHS4cprtEQm-zNK5y3ZJ-JC4bLDO-oid5DOeVlQ4W4daTuSOzgriZaEVjDABNg=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well
not by the history of violins that I have read about.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They
appear to, not just be musical instruments but blue chip commodities. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That are traded by kings and queens and held by rich institutions.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/05/stranger-on-shore-one-of-my-favourite.html" target="_blank">My Clarinet</a> is made of Grenadilla not as is often thought, ebony.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
often see them being sold.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Some that were owned by famous people. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Of course the pads are usually well and truly dried. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I look
at them but they are old and worn. It will let me down. I know it. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
leave them behind they are not too valuable. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have an antique metal
clarinet....can't get a tune out of it. It squeaks in the box.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
what if it was, the clarinet, that Artie Shaw showed direct to the
camera in a BBC4 documentary. Where he spoke about his life and how
he became the sound of America. Around the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbour. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Where he says that he recorded a little known George Gershwin tune
called 'Begin the Beguine' and “It took off like a singed cat”.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Then
it becomes a piece of history. It's culture.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What
is that magic that makes, a label inside a violin, with the name of
Stradivarius worth millions?</b></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was
previously thought that decades went by drying the wood used to make
instruments.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But dendrochronologists have scientificaly dated the woods used in the
making of his instruments to have only been felled a few years before
the instrument was sold. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Quite
often, when dated, the latest ring would be 1702 and the label on a
violin would be 1706. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There
are too many of these, short dates between felling and sale to be a
co-incidence. Attribution to a maker by the exact tree used is now able.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Stradivarius
built over a thousand instruments and about five to six hundred of these
instruments are left. Of these 350 are violins. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He
didn't buy wood in wedges like most, he bought entire trees or large
portions of the same tree. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So we
can be confident with the technology to hand that we can identify the
very timber used. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There
are fortunes to be won and lost on mis-attribution of one of his
instruments.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His
output was huge and the system of taking the timber from tree to sale
must have been a akin to military planning.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He
needed to use the timber that had cost him dear, and this he did to
perfection.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
what was so magical about his chosen wood that made them sing in such
a way that his legacy, we still talk about today with the utmost
reverence? </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Why do
we call anyone a genius? </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What
is it about the name Stradivarius that has been passed down the
centuries that has turned his name into investment gold?</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
still play nicely too.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
attributes to make a violin are unique. You have to become an
alchemist and dance between the practical skills needed to engineer
any number of pieces of chosen wood and having picked them, take
those different woods, and with those skills join them
seemlessly into a work of art. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And be
confident that the beautiful work of art will be of use to a skilled
player with an ear that is tuned to hear the minute semi-tones of any
string chosen or plucked. And make a violin or a cello sing sweetly
and to to be applauded by any number of audiences, also with ears
that quiver to a bending sound. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Musically
educated ears to be matched with auditorium acoustics. That are
traditionally constructed of wood. It's not easy. Wood is warm.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Science
and magic is in the soul of the luthier. Who turns his spruce and
maple to golden sound. Trees that in life are silent yet in death they sing.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What is it that
allows the confidence of the player to match his hands and bow and
become one, in tune?</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The
thickness of the wood and how the holes are drilled in the plank to
set the varing depths of the curviture to be the gouged out.</b></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
understanding of the exact level to be removed from that wood, done
by a gauge but mostly by feel are not a given right.</span> </span><span style="font-size: large;">They
have to be earned.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Spruce
is an evergreen, it is not a dense hardwood. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Spruce
does not have a cellular structure of a dense timber. The grain is
straight hollow. With tiny tubes bound together like minature
drinking straws, this carries the sound. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
when you curve but retain the flatness it conducts the sound. Yet is
strong. The plate conducts vertically. It has a high density for a
given wieght.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Balsa
wood is the optimum material for violins but it is not strong enough.
It could be strengthened with plastic, but why would you do this?</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wood
is the correct material for the job no matter how much science is
applied to it.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
balance of a violin being set with another wood, a harder wood. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Maple
is the usual hardwood support and has a diffuse grain. Birds eye
maple could be used occasionaly for the back, but more than often, it
was plain maple.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
spreads the sound horizontaly.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
woods, sometimes chosen by foresters ear, that could be augmented
into those magic tones was not a given right. </span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Knowledge
has to be earned and passed down through families and generations.
Just like those trees, it grows slowly but surely.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Altitude
1200 meter high some say makes it free of knots and the terra ferme
and the flora around the tree is also crucial. Its like choosing
where to plant grapes.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">These
are slow growing and not forced like the pines we grow for
carcassing.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You
have to understand just how it bends and how the climate helps it
grow, to watch it grow. Then all of a sudden a tree is cut and ready
to be handed to the lutherers aim.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What
is the right time to fell a tree?</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Maple
grows best in southern Europe.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There
are different visual aspects too to be taken into account.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you
dry it too quick it will split so it needs to be watered for a year,
outside, and this watering cleanses the inside of the grain. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
ripples form and come out in pattern and depth in these verticaly cut
timbers. Experience would be all in the choosing of grain.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
flame or the ripple if deep and goes well into the wood becomes a
back plate. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Necks can also be chosen and the tree in death gets a
second life.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The life of the tree goes on indefinitly in its sacrifice to
become a instrument.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
the wood we are working with today were saplings when stradivarius
was making his.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">But
will the instruments of today be as good in 300 years as a
Stradivarius is today.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
loving care that is needed through all stages is what makes a good
violin.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
curve or arched shape of a violin carries the load and combining this
with its pleasing shape that helps to stop warping. Sharp course
corners would acentuate or, help a split. Wood is a material that is
subject to changes in temperature and forces that if unchecked or not
counter balanced would ruin an instrument.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So the
shape and form of Stradivarius design was quite revolutionary around
the time of 1700. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Stradavarius
changed the way Cremona heard the instrument. A town of trained ears. </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This will have been by trial and error. In this town that understood.
</span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We can
see his original moulds that are preserved in Cremona today.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fs5f279ZSug" width="320" youtube-src-id="Fs5f279ZSug"></iframe></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Still
curious, I asked my good friend, retired professional violinist of The
Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and all round mechanic, Ken Johnson about his violin.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So what of my Stradi-various. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well I left it hanging there when I moved house......hardly paying it any attention. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What are the chances? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Its funny how your mind plays tricks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And now I think, maybe should I have looked into it a bit more. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Could it have been real?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And now I will never know.</span></div><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-21607860100546800032021-11-30T13:04:00.002+00:002021-11-30T13:10:43.023+00:00Harry Clarke Stained Glass Windows. St Mary's Nantwich Cheshire UK<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nw1WKuQ-jBc/YaYSJ_Wp2EI/AAAAAAAACT4/bmFXbv46Ie4VbXRd5Kehz2S6PYZppiHhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Harry%2BClark%2BSt%2BCecelia%2BNantwich.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nw1WKuQ-jBc/YaYSJ_Wp2EI/AAAAAAAACT4/bmFXbv46Ie4VbXRd5Kehz2S6PYZppiHhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Harry%2BClark%2BSt%2BCecelia%2BNantwich.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>I was first introduced to the work of Harry Clarke by a lady, who one day entered my shop and made friends with me. <p></p><p>A very interesting person, she was a maker of stained glass who had completed several commissions, in stained glass, for religious buildings in Perth Australia, where she was living. </p><p>She had been born in Liverpool, but like many had emigrated with her parents at an early age.</p><p>She showed me his techniques and I was fascinated by his palette of colours.</p><p>We became good friends.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMONlhQzcZM/YaYR8O8FCEI/AAAAAAAACTw/xzWHxdoFzAgDUGsnTA6P-ixwIxiNJ9SegCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Harry%2BClarke%2BSt%2BGeorge%2BNantwich.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMONlhQzcZM/YaYR8O8FCEI/AAAAAAAACTw/xzWHxdoFzAgDUGsnTA6P-ixwIxiNJ9SegCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Harry%2BClarke%2BSt%2BGeorge%2BNantwich.jpg" width="180" /></a>I purchased a first edition of Edgar Allan Poe, Tales of Mystery and Imagination. Falling under a spell.</p><p>This was not cheap at the time. Though it looks so now.</p><p>It was illustrated by Harry Clarke and I was taken by those illustrations that had the colours of Arabian nights with a Dublin Hue.</p><p> Many were in black and white showing the Aubrey Beardsley inheritance of all illustrators at this juncture in time.</p><p><br /></p><p>They had an aggressive stylisation with a feminine touch.</p><p> (No I can't work that one out myself either).</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I then stumbled across some information that he had been commissioned for stained glass at St Mary's Nantwich in Cheshire. I had to go.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_P7tjSF4sE/YaYRun1ybCI/AAAAAAAACTo/a1bYmbkAOiEnsuwr0GOOVREg9Sj_J5HBACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Harry%2BClarke%2BMary%2Bat%2BSt%2BMary%2527s%2Bnantwich.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_P7tjSF4sE/YaYRun1ybCI/AAAAAAAACTo/a1bYmbkAOiEnsuwr0GOOVREg9Sj_J5HBACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Harry%2BClarke%2BMary%2Bat%2BSt%2BMary%2527s%2Bnantwich.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>Its probably fifteen years since I first saw them.<div><br /></div><div>I had thought about going for a day out but it always seemed a long way off the motorway, when I would see the signs for the town.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I did get a chance during a recent visit to Nantwich to pick up a Joseph Hoffman glass vase.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was taken by the whole setting of the church and the respect it retains in the centre of the market town. </div><div>I have become used to seeing <a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2019/06/liverpool-threatened-with-world.html" target="_blank">historic structures trashed in Liverpool</a> as the clowns who ran the city ruined the listed buildings by allowing innapropriate development.</div><div><a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-shop-gets-mention-in-private-eye.html" target="_blank">So that many of those listed buildings have lost their worth.</a></div><div>. </div><div>But not here, in Nantwich. They want their history.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I wanted to see if I could make out the difference.</div><div>In the way that the light plays on the stained glass and the feeling that is within, and from several different centuries.</div><div> I played 'Spot The Harry Clarke' and in no time at all I found them.</div><div> It was dull day but the light came shining through the pale pinks and lilacs, and his unmistakable style finally became apparant in the drab light. </div><div>It is at first glance, another stained glass window, in another church. but the more you look, the more you see. You can identify its him by his palette.</div><div style="text-align: left;">So I did a little video that I would like to share.</div><div><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lw2UD8Hb-GI" width="320" youtube-src-id="lw2UD8Hb-GI"></iframe>This was a Harry Clarke alright with all the usual symbolism and hidden meanings that I now associate with his remarkable way of seeing the world. Completed in 1919. The eyes have it.</div></div><div><div>And through his eyes you can journey into a distant place. </div><div>Of Chivalric Knights and dragons breath and mythical places that feel real in your own imagination. </div><div>That awake when you venture into Harry's thoughts.</div><div>This was a window commissioned in sad times but it has a glory in its melancholy.</div><div>Richard Coeur de Lion was as bold as I recall. There is an atmosphere.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FS8EdpDToas/YaYJ93Pvk5I/AAAAAAAACSs/wI8PWNTkq3w7TjpRxOG_2f_rLNqYOp-yQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/St%2BMary%2527s%2BNantwich.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FS8EdpDToas/YaYJ93Pvk5I/AAAAAAAACSs/wI8PWNTkq3w7TjpRxOG_2f_rLNqYOp-yQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/St%2BMary%2527s%2BNantwich.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div>There is more than stained glass on view.</div>The Church is wonderful with its history evident for all to see. </div><div>I won't put it all down here.</div><div>You can find more information here. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mary's_Church,_Nantwich" target="_blank">St Mary's Nantwich. </a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There are some remarkable carvings inside and on the outside of this medieval sandstone church that was restored in the 19th Century by George Gilbert Scott. </div><div>I know the work of the family well. </div><div>Growing up with the imposing Anglican Cathedral of Liverpool by Giles Gilbert Scott, also in sandstone.<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrKcVUTTxTI/YaYJYtHX9-I/AAAAAAAACSQ/gTVoPYRp9bAaF0UVrKNztDCgeDT4EM2xACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/St%2BMary%2527s%2BNantwich%2BCheshire.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrKcVUTTxTI/YaYJYtHX9-I/AAAAAAAACSQ/gTVoPYRp9bAaF0UVrKNztDCgeDT4EM2xACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/St%2BMary%2527s%2BNantwich%2BCheshire.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There are a series of Misericords. I love that word.</div></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156;"><span style="font-family: times;">A misericord is a small wooden structure formed on the underside of a folding seat in a church which, when the seat is folded up, is intended to act as a shelf to support a person in a partially standing position during long periods of prayer.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: times;">There are so many beutiful artifacts and historical features that I will have to go back again.</span></div><div><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: times;"> In another fifteen years maybe?<br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlrQgZVmLzU/YaYJY-KdezI/AAAAAAAACSU/w8VmqSNBavM_jkMsIPYAxJJYkImBBdzwACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/St%2BMary%2527s%2BMisericord%2BNantwiich.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlrQgZVmLzU/YaYJY-KdezI/AAAAAAAACSU/w8VmqSNBavM_jkMsIPYAxJJYkImBBdzwACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/St%2BMary%2527s%2BMisericord%2BNantwiich.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWrRzyLDVOI/YaYJaFHQNpI/AAAAAAAACSY/_uJ_8KDk3m4_Z924KF7ixYwKp0dnakYzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/St%2BMary%2527s%2Bnantwich%2Bcarvings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWrRzyLDVOI/YaYJaFHQNpI/AAAAAAAACSY/_uJ_8KDk3m4_Z924KF7ixYwKp0dnakYzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/St%2BMary%2527s%2Bnantwich%2Bcarvings.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /> <p></p></div></div></div>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-4534291854540746442021-09-30T16:02:00.006+01:002022-11-03T13:24:20.664+00:00Jerry Lee Lewis Tower Ballroom Poster........I Track Down The Man Who Made It-Piece of the Week.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVqmq8VXLJ8/YVXIf00JNmI/AAAAAAAACQo/_MJcAzKVB8Ad5-NS3S9VfOxhu2cy-DEBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1908/Jerry%2BLee%2BLewis%2BTower%2BBallroom%2BPoster.%2BDesigned%2BBy%2BTex%2BO%2527Hara..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1908" data-original-width="1402" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVqmq8VXLJ8/YVXIf00JNmI/AAAAAAAACQo/_MJcAzKVB8Ad5-NS3S9VfOxhu2cy-DEBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Jerry%2BLee%2BLewis%2BTower%2BBallroom%2BPoster.%2BDesigned%2BBy%2BTex%2BO%2527Hara..jpg" width="235" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I recently purchased this historic Jerry Lee Lewis concert poster.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The concert took place at The Tower Ballroom New Brighton.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Just a <a href="with JERRY LEE LEWIS and The Echoes, BILLY KRAMER and the Coasters, LEE CASTLE and the Barons, THE BIG THREE, THE PRESSMEN, THE UNDERTAKERS, THE STRANGERS, VINCENT EARL and the Zeros, KINGSIZE TAYLOR and the Dominoes, STEVE DAY and the Drifters, and RIP VAN WINKLE and The Rip It Ups appearing on May 17th, 1962 at the Tower Ballroom in New Brighton, England. " target="_blank">Ferry 'Cross The Mersey</a> in 1962.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I decided to track down the man who made it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I caught up with Tex O'Hara at his sisters house in Liverpool.</div><div style="text-align: left;">He spoke to me in great detail about the techniques he used to design it, and about the concert itself. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Tex O'Hara designed many of the early Beatles posters. </div><div style="text-align: left;">His brother Brian O'Hara was lead guitarist in the Fourmost, who were in The Brian Epstein stable of Merseybeat groups. They played many times at The Cavern in Mathew Street Liverpool, England. And in the 60's they had a big hit with a John Lennon penned song, Hello Little Girl. And many others.</div><div style="text-align: left;">They had a residency, that lasted for over a year at The London Palladium.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Brian Epstein would employ Tex to produce the posters that promoted many of his concerts. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Though he was not too happy when he spelt The Beetles incorrectly on one poster. </div><div style="text-align: left;">That poster is now worth a lot of money. <b>Tex O'Hara designed the first Beatles Drum Logo.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aliIg6VqP14/YVXOvPULyTI/AAAAAAAACQw/x8qtukByQmcdF9A_Qe_zWkVClfeP9E3sACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Jerry%2BLee%2BLewis%2B17th%2BMay%2B1962%2BTower%2BBallroom%2BPoster..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aliIg6VqP14/YVXOvPULyTI/AAAAAAAACQw/x8qtukByQmcdF9A_Qe_zWkVClfeP9E3sACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Jerry%2BLee%2BLewis%2B17th%2BMay%2B1962%2BTower%2BBallroom%2BPoster..jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The <b>'Thank Your Lucky Stars'</b> Concert at The Tower Ballroom took place on 17th May 1962. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Many of the Merseybeat groups would be there to pay homage to The Big Bopper.</div></div><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Appearing with
JERRY LEE LEWIS were The Echoes, BILLY KRAMER and the Coasters, LEE
CASTLE and the Barons, THE BIG THREE, THE PRESSMEN, THE UNDERTAKERS,
THE STRANGERS, VINCENT EARL and the Zeros, KINGSIZE TAYLOR and the
Dominoes, STEVE DAY and the Drifters, and RIP VAN WINKLE and The Rip
It Ups.</b></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Tex tells me about Rory Storm being manhandled off The Killer's White Piano and how Jerry Lee Lewis from The Deep South who had just married his 13 year old bride was welcomed to The Wild West of Merseyside. </b></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I got him to sign the poster. </b></span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">YOU CANT GET BETTER PROVANENCE THAN THAT. </b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Watch the video below for more information about this historic event.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N3SziB14_I0" width="320" youtube-src-id="N3SziB14_I0"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /> <p></p>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-11873120264513801262021-06-15T10:58:00.006+01:002022-03-06T19:25:43.679+00:00Jean Gerbino Micro Mosaic Ceramic Vase-Piece of the Week<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Helvetica, serif;">Jean
Gerbino (1876 -1966) set up his pottery at Vallauris, in the South of France. </span></span></b></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ws8JOf9Ys0/YMhvMjDc6sI/AAAAAAAACM0/jMrOz1chqp05HV4p9nRwnIuczRL-vrdwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2043/Gerbino%2BVallauris%2BMicro%2Bmoasaic%2Bvase%2B11.5cm%2Bhigh.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2043" data-original-width="1430" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ws8JOf9Ys0/YMhvMjDc6sI/AAAAAAAACM0/jMrOz1chqp05HV4p9nRwnIuczRL-vrdwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Gerbino%2BVallauris%2BMicro%2Bmoasaic%2Bvase%2B11.5cm%2Bhigh.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></div><span><span><span style="color: #3a3a3a;"><span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Gerbino was born into a Sicilian pottery family, he started learning his
craft at an early age. He left for
Vallauris, France, where he worked as a potter under Clément
Massier.</span></span></span></span></span><p></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> In 1919, after a spell in Algiers then in Uzès, near Nîmes, then he returned to Vallauris. Where he was to stay.</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><i>The vase on the left is 12cm high.</i></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq_HdlRkdBc/YMhvRjRyouI/AAAAAAAACM4/a8pxwaqgMeYmQiSSK-zSv1cycztrjPW1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1991/Gerbino%2BVallauris%2B%2Bsignature.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1991" data-original-width="1412" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq_HdlRkdBc/YMhvRjRyouI/AAAAAAAACM4/a8pxwaqgMeYmQiSSK-zSv1cycztrjPW1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Gerbino%2BVallauris%2B%2Bsignature.jpg" /></a></div><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span><span><span style="color: #3a3a3a;"><span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">He was heavily influenced by Japanese Nerikomi pottery known as Neriage. The work he produced involves laminating different coloured clays to
produce blends of colour that seem to swirl yet was uniform. </span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span><span><span style="color: #3a3a3a;"><span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">When you then cut across the grain, of the blended clay, you get beautiful
repeated patterns. </span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span><span><span style="color: #3a3a3a;"><span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The making of a stick of rock come to mind.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span><span><span style="color: #3a3a3a;"><span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>The detail is amazing.</b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Jean Gerbino devoted 15 years of his life to
developing this unique process, a combination of mosaic and Neriage.</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> In 1931, it won him the Paris Concours Lépine prize. Many other
awards followed.</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><i>The vase below is 9cm high.</i></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Helvetica, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Helvetica, serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WJss09I2Dg/YMhu85Zu11I/AAAAAAAACMs/Nr6It2z5n_UE7vEVmNE-uBtQZRYcaNj4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1662/Gerbino%2BVallauris%2BMicro%2BMosaic%2Bvase%2B10cm%2Bhigh.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1662" data-original-width="1429" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WJss09I2Dg/YMhu85Zu11I/AAAAAAAACMs/Nr6It2z5n_UE7vEVmNE-uBtQZRYcaNj4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Gerbino%2BVallauris%2BMicro%2BMosaic%2Bvase%2B10cm%2Bhigh.jpg" /></a></span></div><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Helvetica, serif;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Helvetica, serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></span></p><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>His work is unique in Europe to my mind and is as timeless as the Venetian masters of glass who weaved their millefiori rods into beautiful artistic creations.</b></span><p></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> It must have taken a great amount of time to produce his work.</span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span> Firstly in the concept of getting all the different </span><span>clay</span><span> to merge in the kiln and then in the designs, which have an art deco inspiration though post war and are of </span><span>their</span><span> time.</span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><span>The colours reflect the light in his part of the world and echo the provincial colours of the pottery creations that made Vallauris a draw for </span><span>ceramicists</span><span>.</span></b></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><span><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><span><br /></span></b></span><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Helvetica, serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20I0pO_D3Hw/YMhu8FLq3fI/AAAAAAAACMo/D_v-9rjDmVo53tbQlQRwRfTlQYh_f62qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/Gerbino%2BVallauris%2BMicro%2BMosaic%2Bvases.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="1500" height="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20I0pO_D3Hw/YMhu8FLq3fI/AAAAAAAACMo/D_v-9rjDmVo53tbQlQRwRfTlQYh_f62qgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h245/Gerbino%2BVallauris%2BMicro%2BMosaic%2Bvases.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><span>I have four vases ranging from 9cm to 12 cm in </span><span>height</span><span>.</span></b></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.26cm;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a;"><span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>I am amazed by them.</b></span><br /><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Helvetica, serif;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 10pt;"></span><p></p>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-59658395411899402372021-06-03T11:50:00.002+01:002021-06-03T11:50:26.694+01:00Little Italy-Corris. The Hidden Gem.<p>It is situated in
an amazing place and seems to sit in a hidden valley. Surrounded by
pine topped hills and mountain crags.</p><p>Corris lies between Dolgellau and Machynlleth (try saying that after a few beers).</p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Its a sharp turn in
to the village of Corris if you are coming in from the A487. </p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Easy to miss but there
is a sign for a railway to remind you where it is.</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A60rmdKnyCw/YLit-XsXaTI/AAAAAAAACKo/LwUg9Of1hzULk0cY0R0TPUi4Hoe_thw4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Capel%2BSalem..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A60rmdKnyCw/YLit-XsXaTI/AAAAAAAACKo/LwUg9Of1hzULk0cY0R0TPUi4Hoe_thw4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Capel%2BSalem..jpg" /></a></div>Of a weekend you
will hear the toot of the miniature railway tender that used to pull
the valuable slate, from the quarry. Now lovingly restored and manned
by volunteers. <div>Corris slate is called monumental slate as it was used
for the best jobs. </div><div>It was used on the ill fated Titanic for its
circuit boards. </div><div>Corris is surrounded by slate quarries some you can visit
and back in the day this was a working slate quarry town. </div><div>Bridge street
was lined with shops selling their wares. There was even a musical
instrument shop if the old label on the harmonium still inside Capel
Salem built 1868 is to be read.<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">As the road dips
past the Corris Institute people will be sitting whiling away the
hours outside the village cafe, Idris Stores, run by Rob and Hazel.</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dtwzJqHE2M/YLitu1s7v7I/AAAAAAAACKg/9o5g8jJtmGMIaE6mon2he_qw-QiFGk-8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Corris%2BIdris%2BStores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dtwzJqHE2M/YLitu1s7v7I/AAAAAAAACKg/9o5g8jJtmGMIaE6mon2he_qw-QiFGk-8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Corris%2BIdris%2BStores.jpg" /></a></div>You will find a
friendly welcome from all there.<p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Everyone says hello
as they go about their business.</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Just past the
historic grade II listed Slaters Arms run by Mike and Charlotte you may wish to stop to have drink in the friendly pub before take a left and
tackle the hill that seems to get steeper the further you climb. </p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Looking back to the village of Corris the views just seem to get
better as the dots of people disappear.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdECHbjaS7I/YLivkoD5lKI/AAAAAAAACLI/_jUad6BViHg-tJHNrudygaIZsNaUK8P0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Corris%2Blichen%2Bcovered%2Btrees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdECHbjaS7I/YLivkoD5lKI/AAAAAAAACLI/_jUad6BViHg-tJHNrudygaIZsNaUK8P0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Corris%2Blichen%2Bcovered%2Btrees.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Just past the Corris Hostel you realise, if you check your watch, that this is like the land that time forgot. </p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">And the views keep getting better.</p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">It is mystical in the rain that feeds the lichen that cover the trees as you rise even further.</p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iH1kvNQ6XFs/YLiv9Rg9-xI/AAAAAAAACLQ/osJnBdx26JoKg8dKXePX5bVXH4B0rkxmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Corris%2BFairy%2BGlen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iH1kvNQ6XFs/YLiv9Rg9-xI/AAAAAAAACLQ/osJnBdx26JoKg8dKXePX5bVXH4B0rkxmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Corris%2BFairy%2BGlen.jpg" /></a></div><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">When you come to a
little branch in the dirt track and take the right hand it seems you
are heading towards a secret garden, a fairy glen as the shadows of
the pines dapple the light.</p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Keep going you will not be disappointed.</p><p></p><br /><br /><br /><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FS72SiOswgg/YLiu-Yurt2I/AAAAAAAACK4/wFc6_-gT5RAU2bL-OjUb5_9d1HcEhT0XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Corris%2BLittle%2BItaly%2Bvillage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FS72SiOswgg/YLiu-Yurt2I/AAAAAAAACK4/wFc6_-gT5RAU2bL-OjUb5_9d1HcEhT0XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Corris%2BLittle%2BItaly%2Bvillage.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Suddenly you can hardly believe it, your eyes are
feasted by............. an Italian village.</div><div><br /></div><div>In miniature. </div><div><br /></div><div>In Corris. </div><div><br /></div><div>In Wales.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVcp8AsqGxg/YLiu-VtcG6I/AAAAAAAACK0/lny1M4vR9sky8nSQQS1_Ux00K4QRspL9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Corris%2BLittle%2BItaly%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVcp8AsqGxg/YLiu-VtcG6I/AAAAAAAACK0/lny1M4vR9sky8nSQQS1_Ux00K4QRspL9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Corris%2BLittle%2BItaly%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Florence Cathedral,
in what seems like perfect replica. </p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Colosseum in perfect model
size, apparently to scale.</p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> There's more everywhere you look there are
famous Italian landmarks looking as if they have been transported
from the Mediterranean to Wales.</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJY3Z9tz06U/YLivAZc_hYI/AAAAAAAACK8/WYK7qR_HnKs48Eadq6o5HOjqMhWGP7JAACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Corris%2BLittle%2BItaly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJY3Z9tz06U/YLivAZc_hYI/AAAAAAAACK8/WYK7qR_HnKs48Eadq6o5HOjqMhWGP7JAACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Corris%2BLittle%2BItaly.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">It the most amazing sight
that is more than worth the hike. </p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Wear steady boots.</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Looking a little
bit further some of the historic landmarks in miniature need a little
bit of restoration. </p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Welsh wind and rain has been pounding the
magical little gem for several decades now. </p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Lets hope it can be
restored back to the original plan.</p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">So just who created this wonder of the world of miniature?</p><p></p><p></p></div>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-66633542773412348122021-03-30T16:19:00.015+01:002021-05-17T14:14:21.975+01:00Manchester United v Liverpool-The Good Friday Match Fixing Scandal.<p><span style="font-family: times;"><b style="font-size: 11pt;"> Old Trafford 2nd April 1915. </b><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>The Day The Beautiful Game Turned Ugly.</b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPGnyW6HGlo/YGMd48W8NmI/AAAAAAAACG4/ra_kBW2jRd4c_0oAOLe1RIDeBaJPbfeCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Tommy%2BMiller%2BFA%2BCup%2BRunners%2BUp%2Bmedal%2B1913-14.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPGnyW6HGlo/YGMd48W8NmI/AAAAAAAACG4/ra_kBW2jRd4c_0oAOLe1RIDeBaJPbfeCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Tommy%2BMiller%2BFA%2BCup%2BRunners%2BUp%2Bmedal%2B1913-14.jpg" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: times;"><b style="font-size: 14.6667px;">I was recently asked to look over a very old FA cup runners up medal awarded to a Liverpool player. Tommy Miller.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>Growing up a stones throw from Anfield. </b></span><b style="font-size: 14.6667px;">I just had to take a closer look. It was a simple gold medal in a presentation box....but there seemed a bit more to this than first met the eye.</b></span></p><p><b style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">Tommy
Miller had a habit of borrowing money he couldn’t pay back, so when
his brother asked for Tommy to pay a debt, Tommy gave him his gold medal
instead. </span></b>The medal was made by VAUGHTON AND SONS and is hallmarked gold.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This passed down the family and eventually it turned up at a Antiques Roadshow valuation day at Culzean Castle, Scotland.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Tommy Miller was born in Motherwell. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He
played for <b>Larkhill Hearts, Glenivan and Lanark Utd. Then Third
Lanark and Hamilton Academicals (I always think they sound more like a University Challenge team than a football team)</b> before moving on to Liverpool in
the 1911-12 season. He had two brothers that also played the game.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He was the top scorer for Liverpool in 1913-14 with
16 goals. He was 5 ft 9 inches, eleven and a half stone and described
as a handy player. <b>Tom Miller made 127 appearances
scoring 52 goals. </b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He played 19 FA cup games scoring 6 goals. He won a Scottish cap while playing for
Liverpool.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This is a runners up medal for the FA
cup for the season 1913-14. That match was won by Burnley 2-0.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This medal was awarded by King George V. Th<span style="font-family: times;">e<span> </span><span>match was
played pre Wembley at CRYSTAL PALACE. </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Ed Mosscrop playing for Burnley
received a winners medal and this medal is in the Football Hall of
Fame. <b>Should this medal of Tommy Millers be in the Football Hall
of Shame.</b></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span>A
man once said that some people think football is a matter of life
and death. I can assure you that it is much more serious than that. </span><span style="color: black;"><span><span><span>And
during the war.....it was. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span><span><span>If you were playing in the league you were not in the trenches, in France. In 1914 The Christmas truce was called and a
football match was played in no mans land.<span style="color: red;"> </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-christmas-truce-cold-turkey.html" style="font-family: times;" target="_blank">Read More Here</a> <span style="font-family: times;">Football had become a universal game.</span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: red;"><span><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">The FA Cup Final of 1915 year was named The Khaki Final as the whole crowd seemed</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> to be in
uniform.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">While the war was on the top players were
encouraged to take a pay cut in a spirit of brotherhood. Those on the
maximum wage of £5 took a cut of 15% those earning £3 took a 5%
cut.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The FA had written to the war office to
ask for official sanction to continue playing the matches, but be prepared to stop at any
time. Recruitment for the army was stepped up on match days. People were seen giving
out white feathers to those who did not show their patriotic duty and
go and fight. For King and Country. Cricket had been cancelled.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Public attacks in the national press
especially from Dr Thomas Fry of Lincoln suggested that it was
nothing more than financial greed that kept the season going.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He wanted restrictions in place
preventing anyone under the age of 40 from entering a football
ground.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He even sent a telegram which suggested
that the monarch withdraw his patronage of the game.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It was thought that the war would
suspend matches, thus ending the career of many players. Many thought this could be the last game they played, before going off to war.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">2<sup>nd</sup> April 1915 The teams met
at Old Trafford. THE GOOD FRIDAY GAME</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">18,000 people attended Old Trafford.
The drop in receipts due to the war had put some clubs in financial
peril.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">An emergency meeting in Manchester by
the football league on 9<sup>th</sup> October declared that an extra
2.5% of gross match receipts be made to the war effort.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Good Friday game, it was said, was played in a
uncertain manner and several chances were muddled.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“A more one sided first half would be
hard to witness” One local reporter said.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The aptly named Thomas Fairfoul missed
a penalty.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">At 48 minutes a penalty was conceded
against Liverpool after Bob Purcell handled it. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Patrick O'Connell
</b>missed the goal completely. It was more like three points to
Wigan as a Rugby kick was sky-ed into the stands. He walked back from the spot laughing
to his colleagues.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">At one time one Liverpool player, <span style="color: red;"><b>Fred
Pagnam hit the crossbar</b></span> with a shot and was and was
chastised by his fellow players.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He was seen running around to get the ball and players from his own side wouldn't give it to him. </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Manchester Daily Dispatch said “The
second half was crammed with lifeless football. United were two up
with 22 minutes to play and seemed content with their lead that they
apparently never tried to increase it. Liverpool scarcely ever gave the
impression that they were going to score.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: red;"><b>George
Anderson</b></span> scored both goals for the Manchester United.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">When the match ended players were seen to be waving betting
slips around as the match finished. Others were seen arguing. The referee ordered an investigation
into the match.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Four players were Scottish.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Liverpool had nothing on that season as they could
neither win the league, nor be relegated. They were safe in 13<sup>th</sup> position in the
league.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Bookmakers had laid odds of 8-1 against
a 2-0 victory for United and a suspiciously large amount of bets had
been placed that the odds shortened to 4-1. Something was wrong. The match was said to be SQUARED.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The bookie known as “The Football
King promised a substantial reward for information that would lead to
punishment of “the instigators of this reprehensible conspiracy”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The FA interviewed players one by one.
The Good Friday commission was set up. The honesty and integrity of the game must be upheld.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It was said that several players held
back the truth. It was found that several players had colluded to throw the match.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>John McKenna</b> the chairman of
Liverpool was also the Chairman of the football league and later
admitted he had been in an awkward position. He said "There can only be one
decision for those who had been so callous as to bring the game into
disrepute". </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He regretted the guilty decision had not come earlier. They had to be ousted from the game of
football.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">They concluded it had been a conspiracy
by the players alone and that no match officials were involved. Neither club were fined or had points
dropped.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Billy Merideth denied any knowledge of match fixing</b> but stated that he became suspicious when none
of his team mates would pass to him. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Jackie Sheldon an ex United player was said to be the go between and Man Utd.</b> </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Fred Pagnam said he had been offered £3 on route to the match in a Taxi.</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>It was Pagnam who threatened to score in the game despite threats from the ringleaders.</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The FA said they sympathized with the
clubs but they had substantial evidence that a betting scandal had
taken place.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-REpIVJt8oJM/YGMbisZCqbI/AAAAAAAACGw/VnZd1WNzWMkGFq20lwd56tV5oiuWudxfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s976/The%2BGood%2BFriday%2BScandal.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="976" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-REpIVJt8oJM/YGMbisZCqbI/AAAAAAAACGw/VnZd1WNzWMkGFq20lwd56tV5oiuWudxfgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/The%2BGood%2BFriday%2BScandal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>left to right.</i><span style="color: red;"><span><b>Thomas Fairfoul,<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></span></span><b style="color: red;">Tom Miller, </b><b style="color: red;">RR Purcell and </b><b style="color: red;">Jackie Sheldon, </b><b style="color: red;">of Liverpool</b><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span><b>Sandy
Turnbull, A Whalley and Enoch J (Knocker) West</b> </span><b>of Man Utd and L. Cook of Chester where implicated.</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>In total s</b>even players were charged.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>All were permanently suspended from
taking part in football or football management, and should not be allowed to enter any football ground in the future. The report stated </b>“There was grave suspicions that others were also
involved but we have restricted our findings to those whose offence is
beyond reasonable doubt”.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In...apparent patriotic gesture. They left the controversy behind.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Miller along with many of the players involved joined up to fight in the war.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Jackie Sheldon sent a letter to the press published in <b>The
Athletic News</b> 10<sup>th</sup> April 1916 saying he was fighting in
France. He claimed innocence and asked anyone with information about
him placing a bet to come forward. <b>Sandy Turnbull was killed.</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In September 1916 Sheldon who had been
wounded in France whist serving came home on leave. He wanted to go
to Anfield to watch Liverpool play Burnley and even though he was
banned was granted admittance, as a wounded soldier. He was told to, "stay
away from the dressing rooms".</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He later confessed his roll. </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Enoch West vociferously denied his
innocence and sued the FA for libel in 1917. He lost his case and the ban
stood but by this time matches had been stopped for the war.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>AFTER THE WAR</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">2<sup>nd</sup> June 1919 the Liverpool
players were pardoned. after they apologised. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Because of the FA's “high appreciation of the great sacrifices and
services of its members during the war and the deep gratitude for the
success which had been achieved.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All except Enoch “Knocker” West were allowed to return to Football.
West was the only player not allowed to return to playing maintaining his innocence and was punished further...... for being innocent.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He had to wait until 1945 for his ban
to be lifted and a pardon. By then he was 59 nearly 60.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">That year Manchester Utd were saved
from relegation and Chelsea went down.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Tom Millers career continued. <b>He scored 13 goals in 25
starts</b> in the 1919-20 season.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> In 1921 he started the season
scoring 3 goals. Then he left the club......and in 1921 he went to
play for......... Manchester Utd</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">There he won two further caps for Scotland.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur who both
had been relegated were returned to the 1<sup>st</sup>
Division.............along with Arsenal who were 5<sup>th</sup> when
the season finished.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It was agreed to expand the league by two
teams....meaning no complaints from Chelsea. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This also helped to
merge the North and South divisions.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">At the time of the scandal the
Secretary of Manchester United and responsible for moving the team
from Clayton to Old Trafford was <b>JJ Bentley</b> who had been a
previous President of the football league. I recently came across his personalised season ticket. United had almost gone bankrupt as he took over. He retired in 1916. He
died in 1918 aged 58. He left the club in a good financial position. He had been a founder of the Football League and once called the most influential man in football. <span style="color: #202122;"><span face="sans-serif, Arial"><span>In
1886, he left his Bolton accountant's office to work in Manchester as
Assistant Editor, and later Editor, of "The Athletic News". </span></span></span><span style="color: #202122;"><span face="sans-serif, Arial"><span>the publication that published the Jackie Sheldon letter that proclaimed his innocence.</span></span></span><span style="color: #202122;"><span face="sans-serif, Arial"><span> </span></span></span>I wonder how much influence he had. </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>THE GOOD FRIDAY MATCH SCANDAL. THE
DAY THE BEAUTIFUL GAME TURNED UGLY.</b></p>
<p style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">Tom Millers Medal the one he gave away. Was it burning a hole in his hand? </p><p style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">Did he feel guilty? We may never know.</p><p style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /><br />
</p>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-28190278673714323682021-03-10T15:33:00.005+00:002021-03-10T15:33:46.572+00:00Antiques Roadshow 2021 Venue Dates.<p> This year its the same format as last year because of potential restrictions. These may be eased at some time. There is a mixed bag of venues including The Ulster Folk Museum near Belfast.</p><p>If you feel like coming along please contact Antiques Roadshow. </p><div class="grid-wrapper" style="background-color: white; font-family: ReithSans, Arial, Helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.31em; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: -16px; text-rendering: optimizespeed; zoom: 1;"><div class="grid" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; letter-spacing: normal; padding-left: 16px; text-rendering: auto; vertical-align: top; width: 992px; word-spacing: normal; zoom: 1;"><div class="br-box-page prog-box" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c0407; filter: none;"><div class="prog-layout__primary island--vertical" style="padding: 16px; zoom: 1;"><h1 style="font-size: 2rem; letter-spacing: -0.03em; line-height: 1.125; margin: 0px;">Antiques Roadshow venues for 2021</h1></div><div class="component component--box component--box-flushbody-vertical component--box--primary " data-content-block-type="prose" style="margin-bottom: 1.28571em;"><div class="component__body br-box-page" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; filter: none; padding: 0px 16px; zoom: 1;"><div class="text--prose" style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.28571em; max-width: 752px;">At this moment in time, we are only taking online submissions for items that you wish to show to our team of experts. We will review all submissions and select a number for filming at one of our events this summer. These events will be invitation only in order to comply with Health & Safety regulations but we are continually monitoring the latest government advice around public events. If your item is shortlisted for filming, a member of our team will contact you to discuss potential filming dates.</p><div class="1/2@bpw pull--right-spaced@bpw" style="float: right; margin-left: 16px; width: 472px;"></div><p style="margin: 0px; max-width: 752px;">Follow the links below to let us know about the items you want to show us.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="br-box-page prog-box" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #1c0407; filter: none; font-family: ReithSans, Arial, Helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div class="component component--box component--box--primary" style="margin-bottom: 1.28571em;"><div class="component__body br-box-page" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; filter: none; padding: 8px 16px; zoom: 1;"><ul class="grid-wrapper highlight-box-wrapper highlight-box-wrapper--grid" style="letter-spacing: -0.31em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px -16px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizespeed; zoom: 1;"><li class="grid 1/2@bpb1 1/3@bpb2 1/3@bpw 1/4@bpw2 1/4@bpe" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; letter-spacing: normal; padding-left: 16px; text-rendering: auto; vertical-align: top; width: 240px; word-spacing: normal; zoom: 1;"><div class="br-box-subtle programme block-link highlight-box--grid programme--grid br-keyline br-blocklink-page br-page-linkhover-onbg015--hover" style="background: rgb(241, 235, 207); border-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); border-style: none; column-rule-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); filter: none; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; position: relative; zoom: 1;"><div class="programme__img 1/1 programme__img--hasimage" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-right: 0px; max-width: none; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 224px;"><div class="programme__img--container programme__img-box" style="background: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.5); padding-bottom: 126px; visibility: visible;"><img alt="" class="image lazyautosizes lazyloaded" data-sizes="auto" data-src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098q5f8.jpg" data-srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098q5f8.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098q5f8.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098q5f8.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098q5f8.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098q5f8.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098q5f8.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098q5f8.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098q5f8.jpg 1008w" sizes="224px" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098q5f8.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098q5f8.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098q5f8.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098q5f8.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098q5f8.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098q5f8.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098q5f8.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098q5f8.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098q5f8.jpg 1008w" style="border: 0px; display: block; left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; transition: opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s; width: 224px;" /></div></div><div class="programme__body" style="margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; max-width: 464px; overflow: hidden;"><h2 class="programme__titles delta" style="font-size: 1rem; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px;"><span class="programme__title" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><a class="br-blocklink__link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4JZtctC1PB60MR5cV2V7C8d/aston-hall" style="color: #ab192d; display: inline-block; filter: none; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; z-index: 2;">Aston Hall</a></span></h2><p class="programme__synopsis text--subtle" style="margin: 4px 0px 0px; opacity: 0.8;">Birmingham</p><a aria-hidden="true" class="block-link__overlay-link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4JZtctC1PB60MR5cV2V7C8d/aston-hall" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ab192d; font-weight: bold; inset: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 200%; white-space: nowrap; z-index: 0;" tabindex="-1">View Aston Hall</a></div></div></li><li class="grid 1/2@bpb1 1/3@bpb2 1/3@bpw 1/4@bpw2 1/4@bpe" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; letter-spacing: normal; padding-left: 16px; text-rendering: auto; vertical-align: top; width: 240px; word-spacing: normal; zoom: 1;"><div class="br-box-subtle programme block-link highlight-box--grid programme--grid br-keyline br-blocklink-page br-page-linkhover-onbg015--hover" style="background: rgb(241, 235, 207); border-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); border-style: none; column-rule-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); filter: none; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; position: relative; zoom: 1;"><div class="programme__img 1/1 programme__img--hasimage" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-right: 0px; max-width: none; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 224px;"><div class="programme__img--container programme__img-box" style="background: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.5); padding-bottom: 126px; visibility: visible;"><img alt="" class="image lazyautosizes lazyloaded" data-sizes="auto" data-src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098q1ds.jpg" data-srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098q1ds.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098q1ds.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098q1ds.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098q1ds.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098q1ds.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098q1ds.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098q1ds.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098q1ds.jpg 1008w" sizes="224px" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098q1ds.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098q1ds.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098q1ds.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098q1ds.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098q1ds.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098q1ds.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098q1ds.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098q1ds.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098q1ds.jpg 1008w" style="border: 0px; display: block; left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; transition: opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s; width: 224px;" /></div></div><div class="programme__body" style="margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; max-width: 464px; overflow: hidden;"><h2 class="programme__titles delta" style="font-size: 1rem; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px;"><span class="programme__title" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><a class="br-blocklink__link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/20Tp0bwjGTczHc0ThrjMwyy/dyffryn-gardens" style="color: #ab192d; display: inline-block; filter: none; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; z-index: 2;">Dyffryn Gardens</a></span></h2><p class="programme__synopsis text--subtle" style="margin: 4px 0px 0px; opacity: 0.8;">Near Cardiff</p><a aria-hidden="true" class="block-link__overlay-link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/20Tp0bwjGTczHc0ThrjMwyy/dyffryn-gardens" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ab192d; font-weight: bold; inset: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 200%; white-space: nowrap; z-index: 0;" tabindex="-1">View Dyffryn Gardens</a></div></div></li><li class="grid 1/2@bpb1 1/3@bpb2 1/3@bpw 1/4@bpw2 1/4@bpe" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; letter-spacing: normal; padding-left: 16px; text-rendering: auto; vertical-align: top; width: 240px; word-spacing: normal; zoom: 1;"><div class="br-box-subtle programme block-link highlight-box--grid programme--grid br-keyline br-blocklink-page br-page-linkhover-onbg015--hover" style="background: rgb(241, 235, 207); border-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); border-style: none; column-rule-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); filter: none; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; position: relative; zoom: 1;"><div class="programme__img 1/1 programme__img--hasimage" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-right: 0px; max-width: none; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 224px;"><div class="programme__img--container programme__img-box" style="background: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.5); padding-bottom: 126px; visibility: visible;"><img alt="" class="image lazyautosizes lazyloaded" data-sizes="auto" data-src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098q2x0.jpg" data-srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098q2x0.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098q2x0.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098q2x0.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098q2x0.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098q2x0.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098q2x0.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098q2x0.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098q2x0.jpg 1008w" sizes="224px" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098q2x0.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098q2x0.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098q2x0.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098q2x0.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098q2x0.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098q2x0.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098q2x0.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098q2x0.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098q2x0.jpg 1008w" style="border: 0px; display: block; left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; transition: opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s; width: 224px;" /></div></div><div class="programme__body" style="margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; max-width: 464px; overflow: hidden;"><h2 class="programme__titles delta" style="font-size: 1rem; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px;"><span class="programme__title" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><a class="br-blocklink__link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/mGZsHN7r7Kbrw50mt6qyQj/ham-house" style="color: #ab192d; display: inline-block; filter: none; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; z-index: 2;">Ham House</a></span></h2><p class="programme__synopsis text--subtle" style="margin: 4px 0px 0px; opacity: 0.8;">Richmond-upon-Thames, London</p><a aria-hidden="true" class="block-link__overlay-link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/mGZsHN7r7Kbrw50mt6qyQj/ham-house" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ab192d; font-weight: bold; inset: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 200%; white-space: nowrap; z-index: 0;" tabindex="-1">View Ham House</a></div></div></li><li class="grid 1/2@bpb1 1/3@bpb2 1/3@bpw 1/4@bpw2 1/4@bpe" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; letter-spacing: normal; padding-left: 16px; text-rendering: auto; vertical-align: top; width: 240px; word-spacing: normal; zoom: 1;"><div class="br-box-subtle programme block-link highlight-box--grid programme--grid br-keyline br-blocklink-page br-page-linkhover-onbg015--hover" style="background: rgb(241, 235, 207); border-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); border-style: none; column-rule-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); filter: none; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; position: relative; zoom: 1;"><div class="programme__img 1/1 programme__img--hasimage" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-right: 0px; max-width: none; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 224px;"><div class="programme__img--container programme__img-box" style="background: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.5); padding-bottom: 126px; visibility: visible;"><img alt="" class="image lazyautosizes lazyloaded" data-sizes="auto" data-src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098q3qb.jpg" data-srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098q3qb.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098q3qb.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098q3qb.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098q3qb.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098q3qb.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098q3qb.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098q3qb.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098q3qb.jpg 1008w" sizes="224px" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098q3qb.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098q3qb.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098q3qb.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098q3qb.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098q3qb.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098q3qb.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098q3qb.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098q3qb.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098q3qb.jpg 1008w" style="border: 0px; display: block; left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; transition: opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s; width: 224px;" /></div></div><div class="programme__body" style="margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; max-width: 464px; overflow: hidden;"><h2 class="programme__titles delta" style="font-size: 1rem; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px;"><span class="programme__title" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><a class="br-blocklink__link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2JlDT3MwWMPsFbFRTRp105V/portchester-castle" style="color: #ab192d; display: inline-block; filter: none; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; z-index: 2;">Portchester Castle</a></span></h2><p class="programme__synopsis text--subtle" style="margin: 4px 0px 0px; opacity: 0.8;">Fareham, Hampshire</p><a aria-hidden="true" class="block-link__overlay-link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2JlDT3MwWMPsFbFRTRp105V/portchester-castle" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ab192d; font-weight: bold; inset: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 200%; white-space: nowrap; z-index: 0;" tabindex="-1">View Portchester Castle</a></div></div></li><li class="grid 1/2@bpb1 1/3@bpb2 1/3@bpw 1/4@bpw2 1/4@bpe" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; letter-spacing: normal; padding-left: 16px; text-rendering: auto; vertical-align: top; width: 240px; word-spacing: normal; zoom: 1;"><div class="br-box-subtle programme block-link highlight-box--grid programme--grid br-keyline br-blocklink-page br-page-linkhover-onbg015--hover" style="background: rgb(241, 235, 207); border-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); border-style: none; column-rule-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); filter: none; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; position: relative; zoom: 1;"><div class="programme__img 1/1 programme__img--hasimage" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-right: 0px; max-width: none; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 224px;"><div class="programme__img--container programme__img-box" style="background: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.5); padding-bottom: 126px; visibility: visible;"><img alt="" class="image lazyautosizes lazyloaded" data-sizes="auto" data-src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098tlm5.jpg" data-srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098tlm5.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098tlm5.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098tlm5.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098tlm5.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098tlm5.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098tlm5.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098tlm5.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098tlm5.jpg 1008w" sizes="224px" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098tlm5.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098tlm5.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098tlm5.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098tlm5.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098tlm5.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098tlm5.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098tlm5.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098tlm5.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098tlm5.jpg 1008w" style="border: 0px; display: block; left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; transition: opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s; width: 224px;" /></div></div><div class="programme__body" style="margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; max-width: 464px; overflow: hidden;"><h2 class="programme__titles delta" style="font-size: 1rem; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px;"><span class="programme__title" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><a class="br-blocklink__link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1k1wYTL9NbwtJQcrHfmWSgv/royal-botanic-garden-edinburgh" style="color: #ab192d; display: inline-block; filter: none; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; z-index: 2;">Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh</a></span></h2><p class="programme__synopsis text--subtle" style="margin: 4px 0px 0px; opacity: 0.8;">Edinburgh</p><a aria-hidden="true" class="block-link__overlay-link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1k1wYTL9NbwtJQcrHfmWSgv/royal-botanic-garden-edinburgh" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ab192d; font-weight: bold; inset: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 200%; white-space: nowrap; z-index: 0;" tabindex="-1">View Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh</a></div></div></li><li class="grid 1/2@bpb1 1/3@bpb2 1/3@bpw 1/4@bpw2 1/4@bpe" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; letter-spacing: normal; padding-left: 16px; text-rendering: auto; vertical-align: top; width: 240px; word-spacing: normal; zoom: 1;"><div class="br-box-subtle programme block-link highlight-box--grid programme--grid br-keyline br-blocklink-page br-page-linkhover-onbg015--hover" style="background: rgb(241, 235, 207); border-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); border-style: none; column-rule-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); filter: none; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; position: relative; zoom: 1;"><div class="programme__img 1/1 programme__img--hasimage" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-right: 0px; max-width: none; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 224px;"><div class="programme__img--container programme__img-box" style="background: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.5); padding-bottom: 126px; visibility: visible;"><img alt="" class="image lazyautosizes lazyloaded" data-sizes="auto" data-src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098q52k.jpg" data-srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098q52k.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098q52k.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098q52k.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098q52k.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098q52k.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098q52k.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098q52k.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098q52k.jpg 1008w" sizes="224px" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098q52k.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098q52k.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098q52k.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098q52k.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098q52k.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098q52k.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098q52k.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098q52k.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098q52k.jpg 1008w" style="border: 0px; display: block; left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; transition: opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s; width: 224px;" /></div></div><div class="programme__body" style="margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; max-width: 464px; overflow: hidden;"><h2 class="programme__titles delta" style="font-size: 1rem; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px;"><span class="programme__title" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><a class="br-blocklink__link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4MvKTFqmbfhxFWj97YhcgnD/the-bishops-palace" style="color: #ab192d; display: inline-block; filter: none; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; z-index: 2;">The Bishop's Palace</a></span></h2><p class="programme__synopsis text--subtle" style="margin: 4px 0px 0px; opacity: 0.8;">Wells, Somerset</p><a aria-hidden="true" class="block-link__overlay-link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4MvKTFqmbfhxFWj97YhcgnD/the-bishops-palace" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ab192d; font-weight: bold; inset: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 200%; white-space: nowrap; z-index: 0;" tabindex="-1">View The Bishop's Palace</a></div></div></li><li class="grid 1/2@bpb1 1/3@bpb2 1/3@bpw 1/4@bpw2 1/4@bpe" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; letter-spacing: normal; padding-left: 16px; text-rendering: auto; vertical-align: top; width: 240px; word-spacing: normal; zoom: 1;"><div class="br-box-subtle programme block-link highlight-box--grid programme--grid br-keyline br-blocklink-page br-page-linkhover-onbg015--hover" style="background: rgb(241, 235, 207); border-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); border-style: none; column-rule-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); filter: none; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; position: relative; zoom: 1;"><div class="programme__img 1/1 programme__img--hasimage" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-right: 0px; max-width: none; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 224px;"><div class="programme__img--container programme__img-box" style="background: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.5); padding-bottom: 126px; visibility: visible;"><img alt="" class="image lazyautosizes lazyloaded" data-sizes="auto" data-src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098q4d5.jpg" data-srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098q4d5.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098q4d5.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098q4d5.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098q4d5.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098q4d5.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098q4d5.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098q4d5.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098q4d5.jpg 1008w" sizes="224px" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098q4d5.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098q4d5.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098q4d5.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098q4d5.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098q4d5.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098q4d5.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098q4d5.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098q4d5.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098q4d5.jpg 1008w" style="border: 0px; display: block; left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; transition: opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s; width: 224px;" /></div></div><div class="programme__body" style="margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; max-width: 464px; overflow: hidden;"><h2 class="programme__titles delta" style="font-size: 1rem; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px;"><span class="programme__title" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><a class="br-blocklink__link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2g66F9TfTcVZK0N1BKLSLfm/ulster-folk-museum" style="color: #ab192d; display: inline-block; filter: none; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; z-index: 2;">Ulster Folk Museum</a></span></h2><p class="programme__synopsis text--subtle" style="margin: 4px 0px 0px; opacity: 0.8;">Cultra, near Belfast</p><a aria-hidden="true" class="block-link__overlay-link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2g66F9TfTcVZK0N1BKLSLfm/ulster-folk-museum" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ab192d; font-weight: bold; inset: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 200%; white-space: nowrap; z-index: 0;" tabindex="-1">View Ulster Folk Museum</a></div></div></li><li class="grid 1/2@bpb1 1/3@bpb2 1/3@bpw 1/4@bpw2 1/4@bpe" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; letter-spacing: normal; padding-left: 16px; text-rendering: auto; vertical-align: top; width: 240px; word-spacing: normal; zoom: 1;"><div class="br-box-subtle programme block-link highlight-box--grid programme--grid br-keyline br-blocklink-page br-page-linkhover-onbg015--hover" style="background: rgba(133, 19, 35, 0.15); border-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); border-style: none; column-rule-color: rgb(209, 204, 205); filter: none; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: 0px; z-index: 1; zoom: 1;"><div class="programme__img 1/1 programme__img--hasimage" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-right: 0px; max-width: none; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 224px;"><div class="programme__img--container programme__img-box" style="background: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.5); padding-bottom: 126px; visibility: visible;"><img alt="" class="image lazyautosizes lazyloaded" data-sizes="auto" data-src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098q575.jpg" data-srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098q575.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098q575.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098q575.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098q575.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098q575.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098q575.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098q575.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098q575.jpg 1008w" sizes="224px" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256x144/p098q575.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80x45/p098q575.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160x90/p098q575.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p098q575.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p098q575.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p098q575.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768x432/p098q575.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896x504/p098q575.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008x567/p098q575.jpg 1008w" style="border: 0px; display: block; left: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; transition: opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s; width: 224px;" /></div></div><div class="programme__body" style="margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; max-width: 464px; overflow: hidden;"><h2 class="programme__titles delta" style="font-size: 1rem; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1.375; margin: 0px;"><span class="programme__title" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><a class="br-blocklink__link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/FvPwrk8gcsXQBRy7XRvP3T/woodhorn-mining-museum" style="color: #851323; display: inline-block; filter: none; position: relative; z-index: 2;">Woodhorn Mining Museum</a></span></h2><p class="programme__synopsis text--subtle" style="margin: 4px 0px 0px; opacity: 0.8;">Ashington, Northumberland</p><a aria-hidden="true" class="block-link__overlay-link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/FvPwrk8gcsXQBRy7XRvP3T/woodhorn-mining-museum" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #851323; font-weight: bold; inset: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; opacity: 0; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-indent: 200%; white-space: nowrap; z-index: 0;" tabindex="-1">View Woodhorn Mining Museum</a></div></div></li></ul></div></div></div>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-63689112664137285662021-02-19T12:39:00.003+00:002021-02-23T16:41:21.908+00:00Dr. No Film Poster-Scraped Off A Wall. <p>I was recently asked to appraise a Dr. No film poster that had been scraped off a wall by Jim the Scrim.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMjiHb0op8A/YCujWG9ZHoI/AAAAAAAACEg/Fl5zEK-z5l0KoHE6fqUi5JK1UUKviZRZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Dr%2BNo%2BPoster-Scraped%2BOff%2BA%2BWall.%2BAntiques%2BRoadshow.%2BWayne%2BColquhoun..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMjiHb0op8A/YCujWG9ZHoI/AAAAAAAACEg/Fl5zEK-z5l0KoHE6fqUi5JK1UUKviZRZACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Dr%2BNo%2BPoster-Scraped%2BOff%2BA%2BWall.%2BAntiques%2BRoadshow.%2BWayne%2BColquhoun..jpg" /></a></div>Film posters were not thought of
anything more than wall-paper when it was pasted as a backdrop in a basement room. They were probably cheaper than wallpaper. per square yard. Who wanted them, they were everywhere.<p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Once scraped off it was put in a frame by a fan of the James Bond series of films.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> So it was my job to look it over and put the poster
into context, from its then...to its now. Had it appreciated.............................</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Dr. NO</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Poster designed by MITCHEL HOOKS AND
DAVID CHASMAN</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">PRINTED IN ENGLAND by STAFFORD AND CO Nethinfield Nottingham and London.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It introduced The Spectre Organisation</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u>The first James Bond film</u> was
not really tipped for anything spectacular but numerous films later
its now a multi billion pound industry.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Ian Flemings sixth James Bond novel was
originally written in 1956 for an episode of a never produced TV
series 'James Gunn Secret Agent' with the episode being entitled
Commander Jamaica. The working title of the film was 'The Wound Man'.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Dr. No was written in 1958 was a follow
up to From Russia with Love.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">LIVE AND LET DIE AND DIAMOND ARE
FOREVER are written before Dr. No.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All the sets and furniture were filmed
slightly smaller so Connery would look bigger.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It featured a stolen Francisco Goya
picture. The Duke of Wellington, which was stolen in 1961 from London's
national gallery. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Next to the stairs in Dr. No's dining area Bond stops to notice it. As he passes. Bond says "So there it is". The audience laughed as it
had been widely publicized at the time. It was recovered in 1965. <a href="https://lady.co.uk/theft-duke-wellington" target="_blank">Read More Here</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EHEsOroL2g/YCum6dqIE8I/AAAAAAAACFE/PeRHb1NoI3ggY_uCNW-QteMDgjK8J7RLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s590/Duke%2BOf%2BWellington%2BGoya%2BPortrait.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="590" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EHEsOroL2g/YCum6dqIE8I/AAAAAAAACFE/PeRHb1NoI3ggY_uCNW-QteMDgjK8J7RLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Duke%2BOf%2BWellington%2BGoya%2BPortrait.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Director Terence Young said the idea
for the stolen picture came from Irish co-screenwriter Johanna
Harwood. Pictures from national Galleries were then thought of as
priceless.<p></p>
<br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">After viewing the film Ian Fleming
simply said <u>'Dreadful Simply Dreadful'</u></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He didnt like Sean Connery being
Scottish as Bond was English and not upper class but then when the
money started rolling in he wrote a Scottish Heritage into James
Bonds past. A recent Bond film Skyfall brings in his Scottish ancestry.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Albert R Broccoli attended a screening
of Darby O'Gill and The Little People (1959) and then asked his wife
Dana to confirm Connery's sex appeal.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The theory is, BOND IS someone all men
wanted to be. AND ALL WOMEN WANTED TO BE WITH.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Cary Grants daughter would say
her father later regretted turning down the role.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Patrick McGoohan also turned
down the role.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Dr. No was losely based around Fu Man Chu. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Fleming asked his good friend Noel Coward to play the role and he replied in a
telegram </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Dr No? No! No! No!</span></b></u></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Dr. No is plotting to disrupt an American
space launch from Cape Canaveral.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">John Barry did not compose the theme
but arranged and orchestrated it from a song by Monty Norman for a
aborted musical called The House of Dr Biswas.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Anthony Sinclair the Saville Row tailor
stated that a truly great suit would be able to stand up to a great
deal of abuse such as grabbing by the lapels and still look great
afterwards. Connery was asked to sleep in his suit and was stunned to
wake up the next morning and it still looked great.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Filming lasted 58 days.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Bond sings 'Under The Mango Tree' the
only time he has ever sung in a film.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Location manager was Chris Blackwell
who later founded Island Records</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1q38gujHHQ/YCuqrq0AZ3I/AAAAAAAACFQ/4ZC6YX-hhHQoTiiDlTuH0zxuSi8izkp-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s259/Ursula%2BAndress%2Bin%2BDr.%2BNo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1q38gujHHQ/YCuqrq0AZ3I/AAAAAAAACFQ/4ZC6YX-hhHQoTiiDlTuH0zxuSi8izkp-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Ursula%2BAndress%2Bin%2BDr.%2BNo.jpg" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It was filmed in 1962 but was delayed
release in America till 1964 because of the Cuban missile crisis.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">JFK was shot in in November 1963.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Now a lot of people say they remember
where they were when they heard the news that JFK had been shot.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>I remember exactly where I was when in the 70's I
first saw Honey Rider came out of the sea in that white bikini.</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I was at home with the family..My mother said <b>“Wayne close your
mouth you'll catch flies in it”.</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Julie Christie was considered for the
role.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The scene of Honey Rider walking out of
the sea was shot at Laughing Waters, an estate owned by Mrs Minnie
Simpson in St Ann Jamaica.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The discovery of Ursula Andress.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Brocolli wanted an unknown with a new
face who wouldn't demand a large salary.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Two weeks before casting Honey Rider
part had not been cast the producers then saw a photograph of an
unknown actress in a wet T-shirt and offered her the part without
even meeting her.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Ursula's voice was dubbed by Nikki Van
der Zyl.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Andress salary for the film was $6000.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Ursula later says <b>“I am amazed all
all I did was wear this bikini not even a small one and whoosh
overnight I made it”.</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All my school chums were talking about
it the next day.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Honeychile Ryder the last surviving
member of an old plantation family in Jamaica.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Ursula won golden globe best newcomer
1964.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">After the film bikini sales rocketed.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Vatican issued a special communique
expressing its disapproval of the movies moral sentiment.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In Catholic countries local artists
were employed to redesign and all implied nudity was censored.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zMHYYhlr88/YCukMhfavxI/AAAAAAAACEs/wx4ZsQPGEF4MMWpo25JGSNktly0VR1BEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s708/Dr%2BNo%2BPoster%2BIrish%2BVersion.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="708" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zMHYYhlr88/YCukMhfavxI/AAAAAAAACEs/wx4ZsQPGEF4MMWpo25JGSNktly0VR1BEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Dr%2BNo%2BPoster%2BIrish%2BVersion.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">THE POSTER HAD TO BE CENSORED IN
IRELAND AND we see URSULA UNDRESS, IN A DRESS. The small amount of
posters were coloured in by hand with marker pens for display.</p><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">THE Girls in the poster were designed
from studio shot STILLS. They seem to be props.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">First Ursula Andress from a still that
is retouched.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Second ZENA MARSHAL She is really The
Model Hooks with Zena Marshals painted in face</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Third Eunice Grayson was the first ever
Bond Girl Sylvia Trench.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtauanGIokE/YCulqUJKyJI/AAAAAAAACE4/ZVsFHf6nuY0lJUv-hj6pIdF0uG07T0bTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Dr%2BNo%2BPoster%2BAntiques%2BRoadshow.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtauanGIokE/YCulqUJKyJI/AAAAAAAACE4/ZVsFHf6nuY0lJUv-hj6pIdF0uG07T0bTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Dr%2BNo%2BPoster%2BAntiques%2BRoadshow.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Fourth in line and FAR RIGHT is ZENA MARSHALL her hair has
been altered to look like Margerite Le Wars playing Dr No's
photographer Anabel Chung she was a Miss Jamaica 1961.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">She played the role while serving the
title.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Years later the famous white Bikini was sold for $35,000 dollars
with commissions and taxes £41,000.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">But recently has caused a new stir <a href="https://www.jamesbondlifestyle.com/news/ursula-andress-dr-no-bikini-expected-fetch-500000-auction" target="_blank">Read More Here</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>So would you have a priceless Francisco
Goya on your wall or a Dr No Poster?</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">WELL TODAY ORIGINAL DR NO POSTERS SELL
AT THE WORLDS LEADING AUCTION HOUSES........... alongside Goyas.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>ONE 30 by 30 inch Quad POSTER Linen
backed. In perfect conserved condition. It had an estimate of
£12,000 to £18,000 sold for £87,000. 10<sup>th</sup> April 2019.
</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">A Dr No poster albeit a bigger size
sold for £40,000 with commission and taxes.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Generally you could acquire one in good
condition for around £25,000.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This poster was in quite bad condition
though..................</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>So how much? For a poster scraped off a wall!!!!</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Well, you will have to watch The Antiques Roadshow Sunday 21st February to find out.</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1400831/Antiques-Roadshow-expert-fumes-original-James-Bond-poster-dr-no-6000-Sean-Connery-BBC" target="_blank">Read More Here </a><b> </b><b> </b><a href="https://metro.co.uk/2021/02/22/antiques-roadshow-shocks-as-rare-james-bond-poster-scraped-off-wall-14127150/" target="_blank">In The Metro</a><b> <a href="https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/uncategorized/6721320/antiques-roadshow-damage-james-bond-poster/amp/" target="_blank">See more</a> </b><b> </b><a href="https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/19109788.lake-windermere-provided-beautiful-backdrop-fiona-bruce-hit-bbc-show-antiques-roadshow/" target="_blank">And Here</a></p>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-36678104963216466332021-01-29T12:59:00.006+00:002021-01-30T11:57:57.285+00:00Art Deco Statue-Piece of the Week<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85ZG_nsc5GU/YBQDDrGai3I/AAAAAAAACCE/-HKGdesRLI8ilCgW4E4PnKIGjepi3fG2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/Art%2BDeco%2BStatue%2Bsigned%2BDerenne.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="964" height="721" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85ZG_nsc5GU/YBQDDrGai3I/AAAAAAAACCE/-HKGdesRLI8ilCgW4E4PnKIGjepi3fG2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w464-h721/Art%2BDeco%2BStatue%2Bsigned%2BDerenne.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>Marcel Bouraine<span style="color: #777777;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>
(1886-1948)</b></span></span></span> is a well known name in the
style we know now as Art Deco. The term Art Deco is an abreviation
first seen in the 1960's taken from the name of L'Expostion Art
Decoratif et Industrial Moderne in 1925. In Paris. This is the now
accepted date when this new modern style was brought to the world in
any sufficient quantity as to make a substantial difference. I have
had some really strong bronze studies by this artist.<p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">He also had a
pseudonym. I have also had several Art Deco statues signed Derenne
mainly in spelter some have had slate bases other had had marble.
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">This is Marcel
Bouraine.</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">I have built
several collection both for myself and for my several of my clients over the years and
they always seem to include a sculpture by Bouraine.</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">He was working
mainly in France.</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> Here I have a Disc
dancer signed Derenne.....I have misplaced the discs that go onto
both hands unfortunately. Though it is not taking away the movement in
the piece. Made of green patinated spelter on a Belgium slate base. I
sold this piece over ten years ago and have recently acquired it back.
She is 20 inches high almost dancing off the base.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wc3fuCtbfbA/YBVI4KP_GDI/AAAAAAAACCQ/cugYc4ics-85ICQkAkGP2D3bZd0PnyGmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Derenne%2BSignature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1754" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wc3fuCtbfbA/YBVI4KP_GDI/AAAAAAAACCQ/cugYc4ics-85ICQkAkGP2D3bZd0PnyGmACLcBGAsYHQ/w171-h200/Derenne%2BSignature.jpg" width="171" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wc3fuCtbfbA/YBVI4KP_GDI/AAAAAAAACCQ/cugYc4ics-85ICQkAkGP2D3bZd0PnyGmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Derenne%2BSignature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.classicartdeco.co.uk/sculpture.php" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">See More Here</a></div><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Born in Pontoise France largely self taught. He was taken prisoner during the Fiirst World War and sent to Switzerland. He was active until 1935 exhibiting at The Paris Salons. He designed for Argy-Rosseau who was a magician in Pate-sur-Verre. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He preferred a classical theme. his Art Deco sculpture of Amazon with shield and spear has become a regular on the auction market.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> He may have also used the pseudonym Briand as there is a definitive connection between the two. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Bouraine studied with Pierre Le Faguays and Max Le Verrier at The Ecole Des Beaux Arts in Geneva. Max Le Verrier would later cast many of his sculptures for him.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-36564333911333555092021-01-04T20:27:00.007+00:002021-09-30T16:04:55.271+01:00Gerry Marsden- You'll Never Walk Alone.<p> I had Ferried across the Mersey and I
was living in Willaston Mill, a 80 ft Windmill in South Wirral for a
while.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">A lady with her daughter stopped me to
ask some information about the historic Grade II listed structure. It
was a rainy day and I asked if they would like to come in and have a
look inside. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The young lady was doing a project at school and she had
chosen my property, to write about, so I was of course quite
honoured. “Hang on” I said “Let me get you some more of the
history”. They told me that they lived across the meadow in Mill
Lane. I went and got her a folder and asked if she could return it
when she had taken all the information that they needed.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I carried on my merry way and almost
forgot about it. I had been restoring the Mill for some time and
there seemed to be people there everyday. Man, it was tough going,
but I had a good team of lads who knew what they were doing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/08083BNaYcA" width="320" youtube-src-id="08083BNaYcA"></iframe></div><br /><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> It took a lot of concentration.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This day was no exception there were
six guys on site. The double entrance doors to the conicle shaped
brick structure were open and I saw a couple walk in and I went to
greet them as there was machinery and tools everywhere. I hardly
recognised the lady who told me she had brought me the documents back
and thanked me. The gentleman stood there awestruck at the twenty five foot high circular
room with its new staircases that I had built. I was proud of my work.
Fitting a spiral staircase in a circular and tapering room had proved
one of the hardest challenges I had undertaken. </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> “Come in” I said and they both
stood there staring open mouthed. Which was the usual for any
visitors. My guys working there were use to me showing people round.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Then the bloke caught the sight of my
Wurlitzer Lyric Jukebox and he was over like a shot staring at the
case at the titles of the records contained within.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Next thing Tommy Hicky the joiner who I
had served my apprenticeship with, and hated me reminding him of the
fact, walked over, with his saw still in hand.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> Tommy was the worst timekeeper in the
world as he was a DJ by night doing many wedding events that went on
all night. We both loved music which is why we got on so well. I had
sacked him at least five times for his bad time keeping. But I always had him back.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">If I added up the amount of pay I docked
from him it would be a small fortune.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This was the time when you had to
record records from the deck, to put them on a cassette for the car, and I often went through his
collections and 'put a tape together' in those prehistoric days. “Listen to
this he would say”. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">"Yes I will have that" </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> He use to like the fact that I was
telling him about newer music, Bowie and Kraftwerk and the new groups coming along, Music was
changing when I worked with him.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He was Beatles mad and I once said to
him “Oh you like all that old fashioned stuff then” which seems a
mistake now.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">So he hovered on this blokes shoulder
staring at him. He noticed Hicky out of the corner of his eye and as he
slowly turned Tommy' the Joiners eyes followed him as he peered back into the
juke box slightly perturbed.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“I know you from somewhere” Hicky
said, hanging on his shoulder.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“Oh yeah” the man said with his
pearly white grin and raised eyebrow</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“I am trying to think, hang on it
will come to me in a minute” which seemed like an hour, as the man
stood there with his one eyebrow raised.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The rest of the guys had stopped work
and began to gather around wondering whats going on.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“No I definitely know
you”......waving his saw around. Then after some time his mind seemed to click.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>“Where you a joiner for George Wimpey
on the Okell Drive site”</b> he asked out loud.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">His wife laughed, as did the man and
calmly and he paused, he said “I am Gerry Marsden”.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Tommy's mouth opened wide in shock.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“Oh Gerry.....I've got all your
records”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">A howl of laughter went up and poor old
Tommy stood there nearly pulling Gerrys hand off, shaking it in
shock at the mistake he had made.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Gerry laughed his head off.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“No I didn't work on that site.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It was hilarious. Gerry Marsden hanging doors and putting partitions up on a building site?</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> All the lads
were shaking their heads with laughter after his 'Tom foolery' but finally it all calmed down and he thanked me for helping his
daughter. Still smiling as he left.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I only met him a few times after that.
He was always a gentleman.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Now, I remember bunking into the
Anfield Kop over the railings, from the Boys Pen and standing there with my scarf raised
singing You'll Never Walk Alone. The atmosphere was always electric.
I was there when Liverpool won the League and Shankly took his jacket
off to proudly proclaim he was wearing a red shirt. It was he, who,
in 1963 instructed a little known song from the film Carousel, to be
be played before every match.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b> How many times in defeat the deafening
chorus would lift the spirits. How many times it helped the team
play, and win in the final whistle blow. Even more in defeat the song
was as important. When You Walk Through A Storm Hold Your Head Up
High. Meant, it was alright, we will still follow you. We all lose
sometime. But there is always hope.</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I wrote the whole song out and sent it
as a card to my ex girlfriend who lived in Willaston in the shadow of
the Mill, when she was diagnosed with cancer.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> I thought it would make
her better. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It didn't.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Some people think this is just a
song. It's not. It's a feeling, its a spirit. It lifts you when you are
down. Gives you hope to carry on, through that storm. And no matter
how bad it is, there will always be a golden sky and the sweet silver
sound of a lark.
</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I have watched grown men crying, sobbing
like babies when singing it on the terraces. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">One of them may have been
me.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The song has been sung by many. The
Frank Sinatra version is slow, but Gerry skipped it up. It was one of his three consecutive no 1's. It also sums up the
whole 1960's Merseybeat scene when Liverpool was the centre of the
Universe, and the aspirations of a whole city were shaken by its decline. It was hope.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It means
something, to everyone, be you a Liverpool supporter or an Evertonian. Its about
life. And death.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Bill Shankly who once said “Some people think
football is a matter of life and death. I can assure you its much more
important than that” knew what he was doing.</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">So every time we got knocked down as a city, when the tide of unemployment turned for the worse. When the Hillsborough
fight that lasted decades, the fight for justice was fought. This was the anthem of hope. At Istanbul his song inspired us to pluck victory out of defeat.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>We all know that. We Will Never Walk
Alone. In Liverpool.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QOXwzvk1WTc" width="320" youtube-src-id="QOXwzvk1WTc"></iframe></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">And Gerry Marsden is part of all our lives. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">When I began to learn to play a Clarinet. One of the first songs I learnt was this great song. Then Ferry 'Cross The Mersey.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">So now in this time of International
pandemic, with football matches without a crowd to sing, the lyrics of this song,
that Gerry sung, the words have never seemed more pertinent.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Gerry will be remembered not just at
every home match. And if his songs are in other peoples hearts like
they are in mine. Then he will never be forgotten.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">So..........<b>Don't let The Sun Catch You
Crying</b>........Lets be glad and not sad. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">That Gerry Marsden a lad from Toxteth walked along our path, and touched
our lives with such inspiration. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p9G_0hplf_w" width="320" youtube-src-id="p9G_0hplf_w"></iframe></div><br />
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>I wont forget him. But I have often wondered what he would have been like with a hammer in his hand?</b></p>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-65498490292823191132020-12-17T20:02:00.009+00:002021-01-30T12:35:00.013+00:00The Christmas Truce-Cold Turkey<p><br />This year we are in the hands of
politicians who have the power to keep us safe and save lives.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Politicians have decided people are
allowed in 2020 to have a little respite from Covid and meet loved
ones in a limited way over the festive period.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> Many think this is too lenient. Who am
I to say.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It's a sort of truce.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdEl5bZGz_s/X-HKf3THcFI/AAAAAAAACAw/H55j5RoPX6Irs-p04Ka5Z9f5MSNMd1zTACLcBGAsYHQ/s548/Christmas-Truce-of-1914%2BDaily%2BMirror.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="548" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdEl5bZGz_s/X-HKf3THcFI/AAAAAAAACAw/H55j5RoPX6Irs-p04Ka5Z9f5MSNMd1zTACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Christmas-Truce-of-1914%2BDaily%2BMirror.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>There are politicians and there are
murdering politicians and just over a hundred years ago, during the
First World War most were the latter.</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Twenty years ago while running a
campaign to save the Chambre Hardman archive for the people of
Liverpool I received a phone call with the offer of help. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/09/edward-chambre-hardman-59-rodney-street.html">http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/09/edward-chambre-hardman-59-rodney-street.html</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> “It's Lady French” she had said on
the telephone.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Expecting to meet an old dud in a tweed
suit I was surprised, as she was quite young. We chatted over a
coffee and after a while I asked her about her title.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> “Oh my Grandfather got his title
from World war One, Lord French”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“Wasn't he that murdering General
that sent hundreds of thousands of people over the top to death”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">She looked at me hardly surprised and
said “Yes that's him”.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I did not receive any assistance,
though we stayed friends.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">We have had the hundred years
commemorations for WWI.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Individual stories of heroism has given
way to the endless lists of tragic deaths. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Murdering Generals have
been replaced by stories of heroes.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Recently during a recording at an
Antiques Roadshow valuation I was asked to appraise a FA Cup Final
medal from 1914.</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">King George V presented the medal and
was, at that time the patron of the Football League.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Not to give too much away as it has not
been aired yet.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The recipient of the medal was a bit of a card and
the story that unfolded was of extreme interest to me. The story is
mesmerizing. I hope I have done it justice. It will be aired sometime in 2021.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I learnt a lot from delving into these
war years. I learnt a lot through football.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> If I don't learn
something new every day I am very disappointed.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I entered the debate before Liverpool
became European capital of Culcha in 2008. (Some people were saying
the only culture in Liverpool, was, in the yogurt, in the fridge, in
the Kwik Save, in Old Swan). But I disagreed. The debate of' 'Is
football culture? Intrigued me, as I grew up a stones throw from
Anfield. Football is part of my, modern day culture. Its in my DNA.
All great cities such as Napoli and Rome embrace football. The highs
and lows and.......the art of football. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">If a skilled craftsman can be
a silversmith. Why cant a skilled footballer be treated the same way off
the terraces.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I learnt more than I needed by handling
this medal my mind began to race. That's just the way I like it. So it
the story grew and grew.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The following year, after the medal was
won, the 1915 Cup Final would be known as The Khaki Final because
nearly all the crowd was dressed in uniform. I wonder if you did one
of those images that took away all those who later died how many
faces in the crowd would remain.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>In between these two finals was of
course the famous Christmas Truce.
</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Christmas Day 1914 where soldiers from
both sides played a game of Togger in No Mans Land. They had both
sung Silent Night in their mother tongues. The voices had hovered
over the trenches in honest sentimentality. Fifty to hundred yards
away from each other. It was a Christmas favorite in both homelands.
The Germans had decorated little trees on the parapets of the
trenches. These trees had been sent by their families and candles
were put in jam jars lit up the night sky.
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PA9YvLjVgcM/X9uyZmIG3GI/AAAAAAAAB_s/WkjTkNR1gEsQen28kKZew55vd9eJurXVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/Christmas%2BTruce.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PA9YvLjVgcM/X9uyZmIG3GI/AAAAAAAAB_s/WkjTkNR1gEsQen28kKZew55vd9eJurXVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Christmas%2BTruce.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Shouting took place amidst the choirs.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> “Happy Christmas Tommy”.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> “Happy Christmas Fritz”. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Who would
want to kill on Christmas day.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It was said, that a sign was held up. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Happy Christmas No Shooting”</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">And some brave soldier walked over the
top. He was not shot and this started a unbelievable sight. Where
enemies met and shook hands and swapped cigars coffee tea, and
chocolate. Someone got a ball out and they had a kick around. That
leather ball must have weighed a ton with the build up of mud amidst
the bomb pocks and craters. What a match that must have been.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b> Enemies
playing a game in good spirit.</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">There was also talk of a British
officer being blindfolded and taken behind German lines for Christmas
dinner. He was given a slap up, by trench standards and was taken
back soon afterwards. There were stories of people recognizing
Germans who had worked in London. One even was said to have had his
haircut by his barber who was German and had returned home to fight
in the war.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Some truces lasted for days.
</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It is of course the season of goodwill.
Photographs appeared in the British papers.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BbVleMjQCA/X9uyZjyvnmI/AAAAAAAAB_w/p0GDfN77xcULv6y40tlsZgp6PukaK-hjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/Christmas%2Btruce%2B2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BbVleMjQCA/X9uyZjyvnmI/AAAAAAAAB_w/p0GDfN77xcULv6y40tlsZgp6PukaK-hjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Christmas%2Btruce%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This was of great discontent to the
Murdering Generals and of course the politicians with blood on their
hands like Churchill, who had helped start the war so that they could
play toy soldiers, for real.
<p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The scorn that was poured on both
Tommie's and Fritz's who nodded a ball around a field in some distant
land meant that they were ordered to stop fraternizing and bomb the
gubbing's out of the opposition shortly after. Orders were given by
the murderers who probably never got anywhere near the front line.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Where these fraternizers the clever people. Could they have spoiled Churchill's war.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p>I respect the heroism of my
Grandfathers generation who fought in that war and I have even come
around to having a bit of sympathy for the German soldiers who were
also led like lambs to the slaughter for the honour of their King and
Country.<p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Now if the people had known what we
know now about the Cousins, the spawn of the mentally disturbed Queen
Victoria. King George his lookalike, Tzar Nicholas and the evil
Wilhelm of Germany, would they have allowed themselves a glorious
death.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Is there a glorious death?</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Its strange the way time gives you more
insight, to digest and when writing about the Next of Kin medal
designed by the father of a lady I knew, I was quite emotional at the
way solemnity and dignity could be designed as symbolism. A symbol of lament. Death.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2014/09/dead-mans-penny-edward-carter-preston.html">https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2014/09/dead-mans-penny-edward-carter-preston.html</a></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">But recently I have started to feel
that the dignity was manipulated to make up for the stupidity of
murdering politicians now PR'd in the case of Churchill into saviors
of our nation. If the word of peace had of been spread on Christmas
day forthwith to both homelands maybe it would have saved 2 million peoples lives and a
Second World War. The whole truth of The American Flu pandemic that was PR'd into The Spanish Flu killed near a hundred million souls. It is only with the outbreak of Covid 19 that people have become aware of the great death during WWI.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">They also PR'd The Murderous act by the Hun of torpedoing The Lusitania. As a recruitment exercise to send more soldiers to their doom.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2015/04/lusitania-medal.html">https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2015/04/lusitania-medal.html</a></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">DID THE FLU STOP THE WAR. That would have been an unacceptable response. A insult to all those relatives that received The Dead Mans Penny.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZE8eCmm-SXI/X9u3dOFKANI/AAAAAAAACAI/EdKlg8IUF5cCsYgljhraPS_1c1p3jftUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1180/Charge%2Bof%2BLight%2BBrigade.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="1180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZE8eCmm-SXI/X9u3dOFKANI/AAAAAAAACAI/EdKlg8IUF5cCsYgljhraPS_1c1p3jftUACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Charge%2Bof%2BLight%2BBrigade.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I grew up with stories of Great Britons
the likes of Scott, Shackleton, <b>The Charge of The Light Brigade. Scott of the Antarctic and the brave fool Shakleton. O</b>nly
to now look back at the whole bouncy build up of British heroes as no more
than lies spun on heroic failure. They have just named the
Nightingale Hospitals to hide another con just like the invention of
<b>The Lady With The Lamp,</b> Florence Nightingale. No matter how kind she was, her fame just hid the
abominable state of medical treatment in The Crimea.<div> And while it made her a jolly
good fellow, while the mentally disturbed Queen Victoria and the politicians got
away with murder. <b>I could make the list of lies longer.</b><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0S4deu1_DB4/X9u3O64xs6I/AAAAAAAACAE/t26lFesK-5o2cAW7UqHw3GcP0TmZoE-3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1012/Florence%2BNightingale.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="1012" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0S4deu1_DB4/X9u3O64xs6I/AAAAAAAACAE/t26lFesK-5o2cAW7UqHw3GcP0TmZoE-3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Florence%2BNightingale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You get a bit cynical the older you
get. But you also have more tie to think for yourself.<p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">So what of those soldiers who met to
spread a bit of Christmas cheer. A little respite to horror before
they may have met a glorious death. Up to their necks in mud and
lice they sensed a small respite from the horror of war.
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">They knew what death was in reality. It
was all around them. Not a public relation invention by the
suppressed newspaper magnates, in on the con. Feeding the flames</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Where these honorable soldiers the
clever people? </b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">These men most of whom had little or no education.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Who had nothing against the opposite of
themselves. Barbers plumbers shopkeepers. Who went along with the
propaganda of the evil Hun. Spun by the evil murdering politicians of Britain.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Most may have been wondering what they
were really fighting for. What Belgium had to do with them. Most
would not know that Leopold The King of the Belge was one of the most
cruel people ever to walk the face of the earth. He was responsible
for real evil in his African Congo Kingdom.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>So what was it really all about?</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">When the murdering politicians on both
sides were a confused bunch of confidence tricksters.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> Running amok.
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">One thing I have learnt, is that
football was and has become a symbol of humanity. They shake hands after every match.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All politicians should be made to go
out in a pair of muddy shorts and be made to play for a team on a wet
windy Sunday morning. Because the game of life is like match. Once
you start disrespecting yourself what chance for your opponent.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">That those simple folk on the terraces.
The Spion Kop (another con) are the salt of the earth and that
modern culture is inextricably tied together with football.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>For one thing I have learnt. From
learning. Is that.</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>
When it's foolish to be clever. It is
folly to be wise. </b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Update 22.12.2020.</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">There are now thousands of lorries waiting to get to France. The 2020 Christmas truce called by buffoon politicians is all but cancelled. Brexit is looming.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">France has banned the returns of lorries because the murdering politicians of Britain's current crop have made such a mess of dealing with Covid 19 that a new strain has developed. What a mess.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">And they are still lying to us. Through Their teeth. What will the new year bring.</p></div>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-45443784323609144912020-10-30T15:00:00.010+00:002020-12-17T19:21:58.885+00:00David Woodlock Oil On Canvas-Piece of the Week.<p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUMQ2d35zDY/X5wpL_eK4DI/AAAAAAAAB90/Mw_sHUf0xw0Fwq9OYgnvkmykDyMwxzHWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200319_162826.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1916" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUMQ2d35zDY/X5wpL_eK4DI/AAAAAAAAB90/Mw_sHUf0xw0Fwq9OYgnvkmykDyMwxzHWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200319_162826.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">I noticed a rather grubby looking but well framed oil painting just as travel restrictions started to be applied which made it difficult to handle it in person. So I was more than relieved to find that it was in excellent condition when I eventually got to see it.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The vendors chosen auctioneers had been
so lazy as to not even give it a wipe, and thus presenting it in a
terrible state. You could hardly see the painting through the muck on
the glass. Which it seems may have been to my benefit. The same lazy
auctioneers that don't even wrap a parcel up for you, or even supply
bubble wrap.
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There can't be another profession where
they pluck 25% from the vendors and 25% from the buyer and then treat
both with contempt.
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But this seems to my advantage in this
case.
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The painting was by David Woodlock.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His work is held in many institutions.
I gave it a clean and it came up looking as bright as a bell.</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #212529;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Labelled
several times on the back. One label read Alderman Harford and
another label reads WOODLOCK EXHIBITION Walker Art Gallery 1929 and a
owners name.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #212529;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>David
Woodlock (1842-1929) was a key figure in the development of a
distinct school of Liverpool painters, being a founder member, and
later the President, of the Liver Sketching Club, (still going today)
and also a member of the Liverpool Academy of Arts.</b></span></span></span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #212529;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span>David
Woodlock was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, the son of John
Woodlock. Moving to Liverpool at the age of twelve, he was
apprenticed as a drapers. He showed great artistic promise and began
to study at the schools of the Liverpool Academy of Arts. He studied
under John Finnie, possibly in the evenings, while he still worked as
a draper’s assistant. In 1871 he exhibited at the Liverpool Autumn
Exhibition, which was held at the Walker Art Gallery. He was living
at 28 Almond Street, as the head of the household, with his widowed
father, John, who was working as a coal dealer, his brother, Thomas
and sister Margaret. </span></span></span>
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #212529;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span>Woodlock
helped found the Liver Sketching Club in 1872. </span></span></span>
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #212529;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span>Marrying
Marion Theresa Martin that year. </span></span></span>
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #212529;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span>Becoming
a member of the Liverpool Academy of Arts. </span></span></span>
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #212529;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span>He
exhibited in London in 1880, showing at the Royal Academy of Arts
from 1888. Also exhibiting at the Royal Institute of Painters in
Water Colours, the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, the Royal
Scottish Academy. <br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">He
exhibited sixteen works at the Royal Academy between 1888 and 1904. </span></span></span></span></span>
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">During the late 1880s, Woodlock
was living in Sheffield with his wife and four children, and working
as a ‘hosier and haberdasher’. In his spare time, he studied at
St George’s Museum, Walkley, which had been founded by John Ruskin
for the education of local workers.</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Having returned to Liverpool by
the early 1890s, Woodlock travelled to Venice and North Africa in
1894. He would later visit Holland. </span>
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">He became President of the Liver
Sketching Club in 1897. </span>
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">In the early twentieth century,
he lived in Warwickshire, where he painted some of his most
characteristic images of country life with half-timbered cottages set
in flower-filled gardens. </span>
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Back in Liverpool, he took a
studio at Canning Chambers, 2 South Street, Liverpool. In 1911, he
was living at 46 Nicander Road, Toxteth Park, Liverpool, with his
wife and three younger adult children, Winifred, Evangeline and
Charles.</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">At the time of his death on 4
December 1929, David Woodlock was living at no 2 Voelas Street High
Park Liverpool.</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">So I contacted the Walker Art
Gallery and Alex Patterson kindly gave me confirmation that it was
exhibited at The Walker Art Gallery in 1929 as Part of The Autumn
Exhibition showing contemporary artists. He had exhibited widely in
the Autumn Exhibitions from the galleries conception in 1871. </span>
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">This picture was shown there upon
his death perhaps in memory to him. </span>
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">They have two further oil
paintings and four water colours by him in their collection.</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">None of which are currently on
display.</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Signed in oil in the lower right
corner.</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">It is a portrait of Alderman
Harford who was the brother of The Lord Mayor of Liverpool. Looking
ever so Bohemian in his wide brimmed hat with a red plume and
sporting a tasseled necktie. Is that a cape he's wearing? </span>
</span><p></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">He could almost be mistaken for a
painter himself.</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">It looks to me to be painted
during that period we now call The Arts and Crafts. Possibly
Victorian maybe Edwardian, </span>
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I was so pleased that the
auctioneers showed it little respect because maybe I would not have
been able to afford it if they did. </span>
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">It now, thankfully resides with
me. Where it is now cherished. A piece of art history.</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">I have no desire to sell it at present</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">His portrait of Cardinal John
Henry Newman 1988 held in the National Gallery of Ireland was
purchased 1987.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.the-athenaeum.org/art/list.php?m=a&s=tu&aid=1507"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">https://www.the-athenaeum.org/art/list.php?m=a&s=tu&aid=1507</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
</span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.nwlh.org.uk/?q=node/116"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.nwlh.org.uk/?q=node/116</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
</span></p>
<p align="JUSTIFY" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; padding: 0cm; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Mary Bennett, </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Merseyside,
Painters, People & Places: Text</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">,
Liverpool: Walker Art Gallery, 1978, Page 235</span></span></p>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-42058730556769775802020-09-01T17:51:00.007+01:002020-12-22T10:34:14.171+00:00Edward Chambre Hardman-59 Rodney Street-The Truth-PART THREE<div class="separator"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">This give the, by this time, campaign,
a new life. The Daily Post waded in deep and I kept the headlines coming. Radio Mereyside wanted a interview and I nervously went to talk to
Roger Philips. Who was looking for something to report on. The City Council
had sent a representative to argue for sending the archive to
Bradford. What! How can this be?</p></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It was Councillor Frank Doran who I gave a right
ear bashing to outside the studios calling him an idiot. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Which proved
to be correct as he subsequently had to resign. A clown.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I also found that the City
Council owned 120,000 negatives and they were going to Bradford
too. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It was an outrage .</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> Liverpool City Council hawking our heritage
to......the lowest bidder. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Well for free. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Mike Storey was leader of Liverpool
City Council. Not the most cultured of people. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He would later be
gobsmacked when Liverpool was announced a capital of culture.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> He
wouldn't have a clue.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> Liverpool would receive the accolade of World
Heritage Site Status and he would use executive powers to take the
cities tall buildings policy away and accommodate some of the
dodgiest land deals, that the people of Liverpool will forever pay
the price for. You couldn't make it up.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He and his friend Trevor Jones would be in
bed with The Duke of Westminster's property arm Grosvener and the
council would give away most of the city centre for free.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Other headlines about missing antiques from the town hall added to the pressure.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Then BBC North West decided to do a
programme as the whole campaign seemed to have legs. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Mike McCartney
was interviewed and at one stage he said “Everyone is moaning at us
but we are the ones paying the tunnel fees to get over there. It was
embarrassing for him.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I was annoyed. I wrote to him after we
had a whip round in the barbers next door and enclosed £2.40, that
was £1.20 each way return and said “take a paintbrush with you
next time you lazy sod”</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Everyone I spoke to was amazed at what
was about to happen. Soon the public weight behind it gathered
momentum and I kept filling the pages of The Daily Post.
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Letters started to flow in and the
radio waves went haywire.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> I had found in the Charity commissions
files that Memories of Avignon had been licensed to a major print
producing company....for 25 grand. The archive was worth a fortune.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The campaign began to remind me of the
Simon Poliakoff film about another photographic archive nearly lost.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> I kicked up that much anti feeling against the idle trustees who
were, by now getting worried. I got worried that I was starting to
resemble the Timothy Small, off the wall character in the film.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I spoke to Poliakoff later when was
giving a talk at The Unity Theatre and thanked him for his
inspiration. “I have heard of the Chambre Hardman campaign” he
said.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1628" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyl6EGej6gc/X053qig_khI/AAAAAAAAB6c/TJiuQrp9SrkT6dhYA-0Rg7FewZsGM4wAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w261-h328/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2Bmissing%2Bantiques.%2BFebruary%2B29th%2B2000.jpg" width="261" /><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1084" height="329" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGFWEcknOlU/X053yD1YBkI/AAAAAAAAB6k/wzF6eeCeXpMeWXE6dcFS6Z5biT5tlgWmgCLcBGAsYHQ/w174-h329/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BCouncillor%2BFrank%2Bdoran%2BResigns.jpg" width="174" />
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I wrote to Liverpool Museums and
received a reply from the director Sir Richard Foster said he would look into the matter. He sadly
committed suicide soon after.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> I wrote a letter to the National Trust
asking if they could look at taking over the house as they already
had John Lennon's childhood home, Mendips.
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I thought they could compliment each
other.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> Lets say I was actively exploring every avenue, the lazy
trustees had not. I was doing their work for them.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I asked for a meeting with the council leader Mike Storey who could not ignore the publicity as it
was getting hot. I kicked up headlines every week. We were making
them look foolish and showing them up for the lack of respect for the
historical past.</p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He was ignorant to the history so I
explained it to him and he offered to look into setting up a room in the Liverpool
Library in William Brown Street to house it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHfqz9qmwVw/X05937umaxI/AAAAAAAAB7A/HVBnO4WHOdwXCVLZnpjRKPrvt0hp7gEeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1725/20200717_150100.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1725" height="338" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHfqz9qmwVw/X05937umaxI/AAAAAAAAB7A/HVBnO4WHOdwXCVLZnpjRKPrvt0hp7gEeQCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h338/20200717_150100.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br />And the 120,000 neg's owned by The
City Council. <p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Gavin Stamp the historian waded in after I suggested we contact him.</p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGy43mX6VNY/X053dwP4rOI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/oeJt2o4qdREYQJDt29Hr_9EXP4TTf4fuACLcBGAsYHQ/s2033/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BLiverpool%2BCity%2BCouncil%2Barchive%2BGreat%2BGive%2BAway.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="2033" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGy43mX6VNY/X053dwP4rOI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/oeJt2o4qdREYQJDt29Hr_9EXP4TTf4fuACLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h306/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BLiverpool%2BCity%2BCouncil%2Barchive%2BGreat%2BGive%2BAway.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Now we were getting somewhere and there
was a great weight behind my campaign that many others had joined. We
became The Friends of Chambre Hardman.
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Peter Elson was up for an award for my,
err, I mean his reporting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQeTznhLQQs/X057IH_hFAI/AAAAAAAAB60/-51yHr_LrvsSGdWySNq-Xlx59QGZ2G7zgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BLiverpool%2BDaily%2BPost.%2BWayne%2BColquhoun.%2BJanuary%2B6th%2B2000%2BAnger%2BIs%2BGrowing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1682" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQeTznhLQQs/X057IH_hFAI/AAAAAAAAB60/-51yHr_LrvsSGdWySNq-Xlx59QGZ2G7zgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BLiverpool%2BDaily%2BPost.%2BWayne%2BColquhoun.%2BJanuary%2B6th%2B2000%2BAnger%2BIs%2BGrowing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>PART TWO <a href="http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-chambre-hardman-house-57-rodney.html">http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-chambre-hardman-house-57-rodney.html</a><p></p><div><br /></div><div>PART ONE <a href="http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/07/edward-chambre-hardman-59-rodney-street.html">http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/07/edward-chambre-hardman-59-rodney-street.html</a></div>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-28584674239030183612020-08-15T19:52:00.001+01:002020-09-01T17:29:07.999+01:00The Chambre Hardman House. 57 Rodney Street-The Truth. PART TWO<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> PART TWO</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPmfUk9YKn0/Xxs2GaMTk0I/AAAAAAAAB4E/RKZH0knZVGgY5Df2nUzZDc0nYrSHVSpfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BLiverpool%2Bdaily%2BPost%2B2nd%2Barticle%2BNovember%2B25th%2B1999..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPmfUk9YKn0/Xxs2GaMTk0I/AAAAAAAAB4E/RKZH0knZVGgY5Df2nUzZDc0nYrSHVSpfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BLiverpool%2Bdaily%2BPost%2B2nd%2Barticle%2BNovember%2B25th%2B1999..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
By chance I picked up a newspaper to
read in a coffee shop at the corner of Brunswick street.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was
November 1999. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I noticed an article in the middle pages of The Liverpool Daily Post. With
a headline. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>
Turning a Positive into a Negative.
</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<br />
It was about Edward Chambre Hardman.<br />
I
knew that name.<br />
<div>
A horrid neighbor of mine in Gateacre Brow had been
working for the Social Services and was involved in the clearance of
the photographers house when he passed away. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A bloke called Peter Hagerty
had recognized and formed a trust and there were calls to preserve
all his stuff as it was a time capsule. So here we were now in 1999.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Peter Elson of the <span style="text-align: center;">Daily Post had the
good sense to question a press release from the Edward Chambre
Hardman Trust who proclaimed that it was good thing.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>That was, to send the whole Edward
Chambre Hardman archive, including many unexplored negatives and all
his life's work, to Bradford Museum of Film and Photography!!!!
</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>That is no longer open. </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>And sell the
house to pay them to take it!</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b> What! I thought.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This was the second article. I had
missed the first.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This riled my back up and looking at
the picture reproduced in the paper of Hardman, with his camera, he
seemed to mouth to me.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'You are not going to let them do that
are you'.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I wasn't.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I contacted Peter Elson who was looking
for his next angle and told him as a art dealer in Liverpool I
understood the worth of this collection, not only in monetary terms
but as a cultural record of Liverpool's past.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“It wasn't any old archive” I said
“It was a record of Liverpool's past”.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This seemed to give him an extra
confidence. He had a hook for his next article.<br />
We had a common goal to ensure this archive does not leave Liverpool and the
house is not sold off to pay for the archive's donation
to....Bradford. They were going to pay them to take it!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I had seen an exhibition at The Walker
Art Gallery shortly after his death.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The collection moved through at least a
couple of generations.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9RskEv_H8GU/Xxs1DrQlogI/AAAAAAAAB3w/sWJ0APMPr6cI5m3NwR5X-5PY-6vM45mRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BLast%2BWill%2Band%2BTestament..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1148" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9RskEv_H8GU/Xxs1DrQlogI/AAAAAAAAB3w/sWJ0APMPr6cI5m3NwR5X-5PY-6vM45mRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BLast%2BWill%2Band%2BTestament..jpg" width="229" /></a>It was also a record of Liverpool's
middle classes.<br />
Everyone who was anyone had their portrait taken by
Hardman and Burrell.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Hardman never threw anything away.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There had been big ideas at the time.
What had happened?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I set to work.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I got Chambre Hardmans will from the
Records Office and after a bit of exploring I found that these
trustees had been in possession of a load of cash. There were lots of
assets.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Where had it all gone?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUlgMHlwD4E/Xxs1DdjIrJI/AAAAAAAAB3s/ln7EuQpNTIsVh3EPwkYEWqPeoP5ni6pqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BCharity%2BCommission%2Bletter%2B28.1.2000.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1176" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUlgMHlwD4E/Xxs1DdjIrJI/AAAAAAAAB3s/ln7EuQpNTIsVh3EPwkYEWqPeoP5ni6pqACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BCharity%2BCommission%2Bletter%2B28.1.2000.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
Peter Elson had obtained a quote for
his first article from Mike McCartney who was Paul's brother and a
well known documentary photographer of Liverpool himself.
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WYswdbnnML4/Xxs1DkVSIcI/AAAAAAAAB30/iz3396wxIBkCFeN9HyErh_-uvUP3s5zEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BCharity%2BCommission%2Bletter%2Bpg%2B2%2B28.1.2000.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1288" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WYswdbnnML4/Xxs1DkVSIcI/AAAAAAAAB30/iz3396wxIBkCFeN9HyErh_-uvUP3s5zEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BCharity%2BCommission%2Bletter%2Bpg%2B2%2B28.1.2000.jpg" width="257" /></a>I questioned why he was saying this was
a good idea.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I made an appointment with the Charity
Commission to see the accounts and dragged Peter Elson over to the
Kings Dock.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There was all the evidence. Evidence of
squandering all the money that had been left in his will.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
To make matters worse McCartney was
also a secret trustee!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Elson didn't know that. They tried to
stitch up the press. He didn't fall for it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There it was in black and white for all
to see. For those who took half a day off work to do so.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The figures were alarming. The wastage
amounted to £350,000. Yes!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They had even received a grant of
£47,000 from Liverpool City Council.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
One of the ex trustees was a director
of the Bradford museum!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Another, Viv Tyler was renting space in
the basement of the house in Rodney street.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTUAofRopPc/XxszU4p9OqI/AAAAAAAAB3U/-8XUWZmuDywQZhXB8Js4lJxRef7A_LFgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2Bletter%2Bof%2Bintent%2Bto%2Btrustees.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1140" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTUAofRopPc/XxszU4p9OqI/AAAAAAAAB3U/-8XUWZmuDywQZhXB8Js4lJxRef7A_LFgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2Bletter%2Bof%2Bintent%2Bto%2Btrustees.jpg" width="227" /></a>For a peppercorn rent.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I had written to them offering my help.
I did not receive a reply. They thought it would go quietly. They had
not anticipated me and Peter Elson teaming up.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Lots of valuable pieces had gone
missing without any proper records kept.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I noticed a picture of Edward sitting
next to what appeared to be a Tiffany lamp.<br />
Where was it?<br />
It had gone missing.<br />
There was a car that had disappeared.<br />
This was all Peter Elson needed to swing back into action and the next headline was a damning indictment of the pathetic group of ineffectual people who had networked their way into being trustees of the most amazing record of Liverpool's past and its past people. This is the City that knocked the Cavern down and called itself Beatles Town and this was the photographic equivalent of that disaster. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Wf-b0jS0Bc/Xxs2Gc-I2DI/AAAAAAAAB4I/d6QCnbqjKFotqypt5RkEp47EJ-3SWi-2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BTrust%2Bwaste%2B%25C2%25A3350%252C000%2BDaily%2BPost%2Band%2BWayne%2BColquhoun%2BInvestigation..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Wf-b0jS0Bc/Xxs2Gc-I2DI/AAAAAAAAB4I/d6QCnbqjKFotqypt5RkEp47EJ-3SWi-2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BTrust%2Bwaste%2B%25C2%25A3350%252C000%2BDaily%2BPost%2Band%2BWayne%2BColquhoun%2BInvestigation..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Here is the next Daily Post article.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>This sent shock waves all around the city and the whole sorry escapade was now becoming more than just a few photographs it was becoming a point of order. a principle of looking after our historical records.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Of Shooting The Past.</b></div>
Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-4963700368892589912020-07-24T19:59:00.004+01:002020-10-23T13:59:25.606+01:00Edward Chambre Hardman. 59 Rodney Street-The Truth-PART ONE.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Are The National Trust Liar's?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Lm44BcAqiI/Xxst3Bs5g1I/AAAAAAAAB2w/MgIULtYHQyIpPqV2qyQEoTQ1wrIh-V-UQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2Btalk.%2BIs%2BRoy%2BWainwright%2BA%2BFibber..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Lm44BcAqiI/Xxst3Bs5g1I/AAAAAAAAB2w/MgIULtYHQyIpPqV2qyQEoTQ1wrIh-V-UQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2Btalk.%2BIs%2BRoy%2BWainwright%2BA%2BFibber..jpg" width="320" /></a>PART ONE</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I noticed a poster tagged on the park
gates of Reynolds Park in Church Road Woolton. It said that there was
a talk taking place courtesy of The Woolton Society at St Marys
Parish Hall.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was about Edward Chambre Hardman and The Hardman
House in 59 Rodney Street. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
By Roy Wainwright of The National Trust.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Interesting I thought. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There is a
subject I know something about.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I wasn't doing anything else. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was a
sunny summer evening, that I walked into the church hall and took my
seat.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The speaker preparing his power point
seemed to stop and notice me.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I recognized him.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He was the one that came over and asked
if he could shake my hand. Thanking me.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This was a wet Saturday
afternoon.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I had been invited to meet the top
brass. Of The Ark Royal. The Royal Navy were docked in Liverpool for
the weekend. The Captain was being presented with a print of the
famous photograph showing the construction of the famous aircraft carrier.
By Edward Chambre Hardman.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The National Trust awarded the framed
print but it was organised by Peter Elson of The Liverpool Daily
Post.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“I love working here” the bloke
said “And I have to thank you for all the work that you did helping
save this house and the Chambre Hardman archive”. I wouldn't be
here if it wasn't for you, I go out doing talks now. I love it.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I remember it well because I had been
touched at the time.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Little things like that make the
hundred hours working on a heritage project seem worth it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The house had been doomed to be sold
off, when I had became involved.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
So I sat there one sunny summer evening
in Woolton feeling proud.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There are now books about his work. All
could see the photographs of Edward Chambre Hardman.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Though many of his photographs had not
been cataloged yet.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Listening to the talk about his life
and his work. It had been worth it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was enjoyable enough.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Questions were taken at the end of his
talk. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I decided to sit on my hands and a few were answered.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Then one lady asked.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b> “Wasn't there a bit of controversy
in the papers about it all, wasn't it going to be closed?”
</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>“Errr no” he said scuffing on
quickly to another question.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>What!
</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I nearly fell off my chair. I was about
to stand up and put the matter straight.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The little fibber didn't look at me he
just stood there in barefaced cheek.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
With his pants on fire.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I had taped the whole talk. What a
diabolical two faced joker I thought.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I am not having that.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Then I thought.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFyTjpAEVNU/Xxst2-t3tMI/AAAAAAAAB2o/u85AFSsDM3clOmOLY_BNpKQjXjFTDNuEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BLiverpool%2BDaily%2BPost%2B1st%2Barticle%2BNov%2B4th%2B1999.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFyTjpAEVNU/Xxst2-t3tMI/AAAAAAAAB2o/u85AFSsDM3clOmOLY_BNpKQjXjFTDNuEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Edward%2BChambre%2BHardman%2BLiverpool%2BDaily%2BPost%2B1st%2Barticle%2BNov%2B4th%2B1999.jpg" width="320" /></a>Did you do it for recognition, Wayne?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
No I thought. It was something I just
couldn't let go. I did it because I could.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I had made it my life for a while. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I
was successful. I know what I did.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
They had written The Friends of Chambre
Hardman out of his history despite the</div>
National Trust thanking us
profusely at the time.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Diabolical bad manners, that.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I thought I would have a quiet word with
him.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Then I thought. Y'know, I don't even
want to acknowledge or talk to the balloon.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I walked away.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>So with that. I decided to put the
matter straight and post a few of the headlines I created.
</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>So all can see what little ungrateful
fibbers the National Trust are.</b></div>
<br />
Part II to follow shortly.Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-54907865882416906662020-07-03T16:20:00.001+01:002020-07-03T17:10:58.847+01:00Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. His Gothic Ideal Is All Around Us.<br />
I still recall how I wandered around
the war torn streets thinking that everywhere was damaged and
forlorn, and covered in a thick black patina, from the smog that
frequently fell. Like a stone.<br />
That at times, made even
circumnavigating the other side of the street impossible.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/06/i-was-born-just-off-st-domingo-road.html">http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/06/i-was-born-just-off-st-domingo-road.html</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The first church that I attended,
was attached to our school. That was St Georges, and is a Grade I
listed building of 1812. St Georges is one of the earliest buildings
to be constructed by metal skeleton. Leaving it light and allowing
the architecture to float in in its Georgian Gothic splendour. The
decoration hanging on its Rickman designed cast iron frame.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I would not know the name Pugin, it
would mean nothing to me until I started to feed the thirst for
knowledge that I started developing while still in short pants.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2JUjPFjou0/Xv9Ic_15BcI/AAAAAAAAB0s/932SSDxPOb4Xll8KG6e4P32tTL1gy4FpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/A.W.N%2BPugin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="933" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2JUjPFjou0/Xv9Ic_15BcI/AAAAAAAAB0s/932SSDxPOb4Xll8KG6e4P32tTL1gy4FpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/A.W.N%2BPugin.jpg" width="186" /></a>Gothic was born of
Rickmans work and was championed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The first time I looked up at the
heavenly architecture of st Georges that was heightened and was
shimmering in tinted colours, like a magic lantern slide. I wandered
into a world of why. As the light from the only stained glass windows
that escaped the Luftwaffe, pierced the pulpit during the services
that I had to endure. My mind would wander.
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.stgeorgeseverton.com/">http://www.stgeorgeseverton.com/</a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was built on the site of the old
Liverpool lighthouse and Beacon lane fed up to its plateau. This was
the old welsh town of Liverpool.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There were numerous massive buildings
that I recall, that would either fall down or be demolished and the
architecture of the firm of Pugin and Pugin, I would later find out,
filled the streets around my home with Gothic pearls.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Our Lady Immaculate with the ambitious
foundations of the Chancel Chapel on St Domingo Road. That would
never be more than that. The plans to build a Majestic Cathedral, at
the top of our street had never been able to to be realized. For lack
of finances.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I could feel those ambitions all
around me, enveloping my senses.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Decades later I would become a
specialist in the restoration of listed buildings and then move into
the world of antiques.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But I will never forget the way it made
me feel to live in such a place with its monumental faded Gothic
glory at every turn.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
So now, when I may, understand the
esoteric's of design, I try to keep on furthering my knowledge by the
continual feeding of that seed. That grew out of those bombed out
buildings that I played in as a child.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There were three Pugin and Pugin
buildings in stones throw from, our house.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I want to explore here, a little more
about The Great Gothic Master of Design.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Augustus Northmore Welby Pugin (Born
1812) wrote a scathing attack on British Georgian architecture. He
called it an abomination.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x23e5du9mBo/Xv9JDYfTTXI/AAAAAAAAB1E/GTzWTlazAnI148JMPN-rqYewjMdZEIaKACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/A.W.N%2BPugin%2BMonarchs%2BDias%2Bdesign..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1254" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x23e5du9mBo/Xv9JDYfTTXI/AAAAAAAAB1E/GTzWTlazAnI148JMPN-rqYewjMdZEIaKACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/A.W.N%2BPugin%2BMonarchs%2BDias%2Bdesign..jpg" width="250" /></a>CONTRASTS was written by Pugin when he
was 25 and he does not hold back in his thought. The Industrial
revolution of the 1830's had saw huge civil unrest.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A strong moral leadership was called
for. But it was not there.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The country was burdened with George
IV. Who did fancy himself as a patron of the arts.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He wanted to work on Buckingham Palace
and the kings favourite architect John Nash who was a master of
disguise was employed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This work showed what we call Facadism
where a building is cloaked in a Stucco fronting.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Pugin was an angry young man. He
thought he would cleanse the immorality of this Georgian style. In
'Gothic' he asks the questions of the reasons of the demise of
architecture.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Even though we now look at Georgian as
an example of style that is admired, he thought Gothic was the way
forward. Believing classicism to be false to a higher ideal.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
St Giles in Staffordshire was an
attempt to turn the tide of immorality through architecture. In his
eyes Medieval fusion would be controlled into a channel of heavenly
paradise. To him, the Gothic revival was devoutly christian. This was
his brave new world......of looking back.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-392q8RFi_4c/Xv9IiDcSGUI/AAAAAAAAB00/ArDlbUxinjESCki54AdvnJKWSmjMO_AgACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/A.W.N%2BPugin%2Bscketch%2Bfor%2Bscarisbrick%2BHall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1105" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-392q8RFi_4c/Xv9IiDcSGUI/AAAAAAAAB00/ArDlbUxinjESCki54AdvnJKWSmjMO_AgACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/A.W.N%2BPugin%2Bscketch%2Bfor%2Bscarisbrick%2BHall.jpg" width="220" /></a> His mother Catherine Welby and August
Charles had fled the french revolution and they settled in
Bloomsbury. As a direct result of Catherine's inheritance. They were
wealthy. The young Pugin never really went to school. His father
supplemented their income by doing architectural drawing. At five
years of age his parents took him to Lincoln Cathedral. He was struck
by the genius of the prizmatic light dousing the building in
contrasting colour's, that was built 700 years before.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He admired the honesty, and how the
building was made.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Its skeleton was on show, there for all
to see.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
His father ran a drawing school and he
and the pupils were taken to Northern France. Rouen Cathedral
entranced him.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There is a drawing in the national
archives entitled My first design at 9 years old.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He learnt about the engineering. How
buildings held up. How they were built.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He was shown them the bones of how they
were constructed. He would feel them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Many Cathedrals were looted during the
revolution. Many with sculptures were defaced. He noted this.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He would collect and would study
fragments of medieval glass.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Low church services were held in
preaching boxes in small chapels and his mother supported Edward
Irving who was a sort of evangelist of the day.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He began to loathe the low style of
service and turned to the theatre.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Theatre Royale Richmond, entranced
him at 15 years old, he saw the scenery flying on and off the stage.
As if by magic. He began to study in three dimensions and in 1831 he
designed quite lavishly for Henry VIII.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He gained a sense of the dramatic, with
the immorality of the theatre.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Ann was 5 months pregnant when Pugin
married her. He did the right thing and they seemed happy, until Ann
died, shortly after childbirth. Then his mother died. And at the age
of 21 he was a single parent. He was shattered by events and buried
himself in the wreckage of his life and his Gothic ideal.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Contrasts won him the friendship of
John Talbot the 16<sup>th</sup> Earl of Shrewsbury and his money gave
him the capital for amongst others St Giles in Cheadle.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Cheadle, my perfect Cheadle he declared
in later life. Picture<i> The west doors of St Giles</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7O-IHTc2TlE/Xv9K8BYhW7I/AAAAAAAAB1Y/-ksCsyXGTjkb3VxidpkYGT32PeiE3UX6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/St%2BGiles%2BCheadle..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1114" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7O-IHTc2TlE/Xv9K8BYhW7I/AAAAAAAAB1Y/-ksCsyXGTjkb3VxidpkYGT32PeiE3UX6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/St%2BGiles%2BCheadle..jpg" width="222" /></a>At the consecration of his Gothic
masterpiece of St Giles, Archbishops were present. He had come a long
way. It was a national event. He wanted to capture a spirit something
he felt and it all went into his ideas for Gothic.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Talbot's stately home is now Alton
Towers.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He had converted to catholicism while
writing 'Contrasts'. He adored the playing out of the service with
all theatrical theatrical manner, he adored.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
George Myers was his prefered builder,
a Yorkshire man. They struck a chord, he had a understanding what
Pugin wanted. Though on one project he was not involved in, the
Bellfry fell down.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He would design wallpapers and Mintons
took the decision to reinstate the practice of making encaustic tiles
around his designs.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
His friend John Hardman would make his
metalwork and stained glass.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'The True Principle Of Pointed
Architecture' was his second book. Published in 1841 it laid down six
principles for building in the Gothic style.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Pugin believed good architecture is
good society and it lays down all the principles of how to achieve
this. A vision. Detail must have meaning. If it is constructed it can
be decorated.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In his work he puts the hinge in full
view showing exactly how the door is opening. A hidden hinge was
imoral he thought.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He declared classicism was wrong and
truth and honesty was Gods work.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'God will see if you skimp on hidden
parts of the building' he would declare. This inspired a new
generation of architects such a s George Gilbert Scott.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Who would say after reading Pugin.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'I felt as if I had awoken from my
slumbers'.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The whole landscape of Britain would
subsequently change through the thoughts and writings of the man'.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Though some people claim that modern
buildings such as the Pompidou or Lloyds of London hold true. This is
stupid thinking. They may hold the twisted principles dear but these
have been, shall we say, stretched by the architects for good PR.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3K3HT_Gvq4/Xv9K8W87mOI/AAAAAAAAB1c/JNnN36I5o8kRMr8FHTTXKhC0kt3eyMXfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Palace%2Bof%2BWestminster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3K3HT_Gvq4/Xv9K8W87mOI/AAAAAAAAB1c/JNnN36I5o8kRMr8FHTTXKhC0kt3eyMXfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Palace%2Bof%2BWestminster.jpg" /></a>The Palace of Westminster burnt down
and the rebuilding of the corrupt place would be replaced by Pugins
moral ideal. Charles Barry had classic training, but Pugin
overshadowed him. The towers were definatly Pugin which led but the
heraldic interior, combining the work of John Hardman, that showed an
ideal to an almost heavenly enlightenment of the mind.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Westminster">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Westminster</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We take for granted today the interiors
of the chamber because we see it almost every day on TV. But it was
made to overawe everyone who came in contact. And from his thousand
drawings, he aimed for perfection. He was a man posessed. Working
tirelessly.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Soveriegns Throne is an example
encompassed. The medieval view in revival form, evoked history and
with a linear heritage from days gone by.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Though Barry was the architect, Pugin,
in 1834 had designed an imaginary college and by co-incidence the
year the Houses of Parliment burnt down.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It is almost the same building.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He was subsequently, unfairly written
out of the final finished scheme. Barry claiming it all. While Pugin
was working, he had no idea of the PR that was playing out around
him.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Pugin worked because he wanted to.
Barry got £25,000 while Pugin got £800.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Pugin had entered the debate
surrounding wallpaper which was now entering into more mainstream
consciousness after the Great Exhibition by designing a series of two
dimensional papers. These were mostly heradic motifs for The Palace
of Westminister. He would design a hundred different styles. There is
a wonderful book showing his pattern designs from 1851-1859 in the
V&A. Of course the best place to see them would be in place, on
the walls. Of those hundred different wallpaper designs that were
commissioned many were lost but his inspiration would seep into the
public. I picked hand blocked Pugin wallpaper for my hall that is
still available today if you know where to look. Though most of his
designs would be too bold for most domestic settings. This debate be
continued by Morris and Co.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
His work then strangely dried up. This
was his time, and he wasn't there.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Louisa his second wife of 5 children
then died and at 32 he would struggle to cope with his paranoair.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4Oh07IOMpg/Xv9JFMoNGYI/AAAAAAAAB1I/jmFKaIRRTxAI1j2X_pvozKpyj_N_V3lTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/A.W.N%2BPugin%2BMinton%2Btiled%2Bstove%2Bfor%2BGreat%2BExhibition%2B1851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="966" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4Oh07IOMpg/Xv9JFMoNGYI/AAAAAAAAB1I/jmFKaIRRTxAI1j2X_pvozKpyj_N_V3lTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/A.W.N%2BPugin%2BMinton%2Btiled%2Bstove%2Bfor%2BGreat%2BExhibition%2B1851.jpg" width="193" /></a>He then wrote another book in Ramsgate.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
An Apology for the Revival of Christian
Architecture in England. He explains as best he can under the
pressure of his developing illness and proclaims Gothic should be on
every detail as what was in The Grange, that he designed for himself.
It is.....Gothic to the core. Designed from the inside out and not
the other way round, as of most architects of the day seemed to do.
Rooms were arranged in the need for movement he was absorbed in
theatrical vibrancy of its interiors.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Trefoiled escutcheons and Gothic
handles with inscriptions declaring his love of patrons, family and
places. It's as if he wanted to surround himself in a cocoon.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He married a third time.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He would stay at the Grange for the
rest of his life.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He would exhibit at the 1851
Exhibition, a medieval court. It was acclaimed at all levels. Though
he never won a prize for manufacture as a designer.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He then built a church next to the
Grange. St Augustin's. Of napped flint, sandwiched between horizontal
lines and courses of stone. This was a new departure in architecture
for him. This building has recently been restored. His finances
suffered.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It encapsulated his faith. £14,000 of
his own money and he couldnt afford the spire.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8lA_MYEBTQ/Xv9IfStTtFI/AAAAAAAAB0w/MQtwfFQzjd0JbyQeZ4cZcLzQ9PU6JoN1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/A.W.N%2BPugin%2BScarisbrick%2BHall%2Bchair..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8lA_MYEBTQ/Xv9IfStTtFI/AAAAAAAAB0w/MQtwfFQzjd0JbyQeZ4cZcLzQ9PU6JoN1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/A.W.N%2BPugin%2BScarisbrick%2BHall%2Bchair..jpg" width="213" /></a> It was all becoming too much. He was
having blackouts.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Westminister clock tower hadn't
been built and Barry turned to Pugin who was ill with piles, worms
and strange visions.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The finished article is said to be a
masterpiece in delicacy reaching for the heavens.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He never made the opening of his design
after a mental breakdown.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Consigned to Bedlam and in 1852 at the
age of 40 he died. His tomb in St Augustin's decorated with carvings
of his family.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He died at the same time as The Duke of
Wellington and his death was relegated to the back pages of the
periodicals. This maybe a metaphor or a symbol of his whole life. His
son E.W Pugin would continue his work.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It took a hundred years for his
recognition to come to the fore.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Half French, as was Brunel. They both
were largely forgotten.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They, in time would both become greats.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In working on his book Gothic revival
published 1928 Kenneth Clarke found it hard to believe that a man so
little known was actually so important.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But still Pugin needs to be explored
because what he created was more than buildings it was an ideal, a
movement.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There are not many who could do that.
And Pugin is one of the greats.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I will always remember the lightness of
the cast iron framed architecture of St Georges. I visited there
recently. The side entrance to the back of the church still has the
same atmosphere and smell from decades past.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Looking at old photographs, I also
remember the stolid Victorian remnants of the Victorian buildings of
the era I grew up in. Most of it is heavy, over adorned, over
engineered and self apposing.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I think this is why I love the
lightness of the Georgians at their best..... and the freshness and
the feel of the best of French Art Deco.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Though I do declare I love the work and
appreciate the ideals of Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-78892557147449638402020-06-12T18:13:00.000+01:002020-07-03T17:40:58.972+01:00Liverpool The City That Knocked The Cavern Club Down, Then Called Itself Beatles Town.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSx1bFvQAxw/XuOyyFv5GGI/AAAAAAAABy8/YoC_8P1vzaMh5tfvmBQ5CiD4_QGojPsYACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/St%2BDomingo%2BRoad%2B1840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSx1bFvQAxw/XuOyyFv5GGI/AAAAAAAABy8/YoC_8P1vzaMh5tfvmBQ5CiD4_QGojPsYACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/St%2BDomingo%2BRoad%2B1840.jpg" width="320" /></a>I was born just off St Domingo Road in
Everton, though it was nearer to the hallowed turf of Anfield. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The proximity to Anfield is what provided me with my pocket money.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I
would mind cars on match day.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was great running up and down the
street “Can I mind your car Sir”.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I would put my Liverpool scarf on early in the
morning and we would have a little bit of territory in our cobbled
street with which to work.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
People were kind.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
It was a friendly
gesture rewarded for the effort and enthusiasm. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The drivers in would
get out in their red and white scarves. They didn't have to give you
a few coppers but I think it heightened match day for them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There
would be no cars in our street of a normal day. There wasn't anybody
living there whose income could afford to run one.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It showed you that
if you tried a bit and were pleasant, you could earn a little bit.
Which in turn made your life a bit better.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Mainly in the ability to
buy football cards that you could collect into an album. I can still
remember the team goalkeeper was Tommy Lawrence, right up to Peter Thompson on the left wing. The beginning of collecting, maybe.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was a friendly place, we knew
everyone in the street. I still today can recall most of our
neighbours names.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The surrounding streets were pockmarked with
missing houses that had been bombed during the war looking like missing teeth within a pretty girls smile. Other houses were shored up with timber.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We played war games amongst the debris
and in the abandoned houses with broken window pains.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Around a similar time I was once showed
how to throw a brick at a church window by an older lad.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was
covered in a grill and made a great noise. I hadn't realised why my
so called mentor was running away, until a white collared clergyman
came out from a side door running towards me shaking his first. I
learnt how to run that day. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And how to keep away from this tearaway
who fell about in stitches laughing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I didn't think it funny at all
especially when a knock on the door came and there he was reporting me to
my mother. You grow up quick in the school of hard knocks.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnyqa1xyCqc/XuOyzQ3_vOI/AAAAAAAABzE/ZGv_v0VsT4AqmPpwoQCVsbQlOiGrlzQVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Our%2BLady%2BImmaculate%2BChancel%2BChapel%2BSt%2BDomingo%2BRoad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1600" height="177" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnyqa1xyCqc/XuOyzQ3_vOI/AAAAAAAABzE/ZGv_v0VsT4AqmPpwoQCVsbQlOiGrlzQVACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Our%2BLady%2BImmaculate%2BChancel%2BChapel%2BSt%2BDomingo%2BRoad.jpg" width="320" /></a>The church was two streets away, the
other side of Sir Thomas White Gardens which was quickly becoming a
failed experiment into social housing. Its no longer there. Either is
the church that became our playground. I used to run errands having
made friends with the people inside. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I never picked up a stone in
anger again and soon realized why the beautiful glass windows were
covered up.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
At that time in Liverpool there was a
different mentality, Protestants and Catholics were enemies, or so we were
taught. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We played football matches when we found someone with a ball.
The teams were usually picked by religion. I thought whats all this
about.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I soon grew up and realized, just as I had
been shown to throw a stone, that I was not to listen to my elders,
not to be guided by the wrong people.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
To form my own judgments by study.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NqGnEdSSEk4/XuOyxOHYxCI/AAAAAAAABy4/F_JWea6zzckMZgq0MCTDmm_BUToXgz7xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200612_171300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1246" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NqGnEdSSEk4/XuOyxOHYxCI/AAAAAAAABy4/F_JWea6zzckMZgq0MCTDmm_BUToXgz7xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200612_171300.jpg" width="249" /></a>Decades later whilst driving past, I
found the same church in disrepair and about to be demolished so I
removed some of the fittings before the bulldozers destroyed them and
put them in my stores to re use. Then shortly after, while reading
Freddy O'Conners “It All Came Tumbling Down” I found a picture of
my street, and a picture of a church that was designed by Pugin, well
the firm of E.W Pugin. I was a property developer by this time. I then
realized that there were several Pugin buildings in the vicinity and
I also realized I had felt the gravity of the history in the humble
little street that was condemned by the city council as a slum and we
were sent to a modern house in the suburbs.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I always regretted the move. The wash
house, that steamy place where the washer women gathered to chit chat
away was in fact a Pugin building.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If you are born poor you dont know
anything else.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dB6Zzexskpo/VQlmofCUYpI/AAAAAAAAAuw/QRzYRyfrUfc/s1600/St%2BGeorges%2BEverton%2Bporch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dB6Zzexskpo/VQlmofCUYpI/AAAAAAAAAuw/QRzYRyfrUfc/s1600/St%2BGeorges%2BEverton%2Bporch.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
My first BBC appearance was for a
documentary about slum housing and I was nominated for interview by
the headmaster of my school St Georges. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D79Fu_wLOas/VQllEWMHfkI/AAAAAAAAAuc/pLfa8BP8kNg/s1600/EA11StGeorgesChurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D79Fu_wLOas/VQllEWMHfkI/AAAAAAAAAuc/pLfa8BP8kNg/s200/EA11StGeorgesChurch.jpg" width="200" /></a>I recall in my past memory
that I was talking about growing up and there and some shots walking
home from school with my friend.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKzvrd8qNN8/XuOxhPY5BVI/AAAAAAAABys/0e4_AJDPzhMotmQcLdiosszf-8AyogkuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Everton%2BLibrary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="700" height="206" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKzvrd8qNN8/XuOxhPY5BVI/AAAAAAAABys/0e4_AJDPzhMotmQcLdiosszf-8AyogkuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Everton%2BLibrary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
I must have only been six years of age.
We did not have a TV and had to go to a neighbours house to watch it.
I have tried to find it in the BBC archives but I fear its lost.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It
showed a happy little child growing up and attending a school with
its Grade I listed St Georges church, walking home through Everton
Library, also a listed building that had escaped the blitz.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/search?q=st+georges">https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/search?q=st+georges</a> I wrote about St Georges some time ago.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVtrEl5Sz_o/XuOyzKA3N0I/AAAAAAAABzA/l2o3QlTVO98F9McD3v8TTgGlcOZon2-lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200612_171157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVtrEl5Sz_o/XuOyzKA3N0I/AAAAAAAABzA/l2o3QlTVO98F9McD3v8TTgGlcOZon2-lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200612_171157.jpg" width="320" /></a>Not long after being cleared out to the
new Metro-land. A concrete jungle. I missed the sturdy security of my poor working class
background and the way the people stood together and helped each
other. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
People who had nothing would share their last bit of food with
you, not knowing if there would be any money with which to buy more
for themselves.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Boot boys and football hooliganism appeared. Things
rather dramatically in the coming years. When I started going the
match it had become a dangerous place.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Now I understand that that church was
in fact The Chancel Chapel erected to be the beginning of the
building of a new Cathedral of such gigantic proportions that it
would rival St Peters in Rome. The Church never got the necessary
finances required and after war decimated Liverpool a free site was
given to the Catholic Church near the city centre. This would see The
new Metropolitan Cathedral Of Christ The King, or Paddy's Wigwam
built. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I was an apprentice watching this new space rocket erupt on the
plateau opposite the Anglican Cathedral by Giles Gilbert Scott. I did
not like it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Later I got angry with what was
happening to my city and how it's historical buildings were being
targeted for redevelopment in the new era that was bringing a new
prosperity...with little respect for my past.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I had become a vociferous heritage
campaigner as Liverpool became a World Heritage City it began to
destroy the Pier Head. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The famous Three Graces had escaped The
Luftwaffe and then the city planners set about destroying the majesty
of Liverpool's waterfront.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Now I was negotiating with Unesco to
save its soul as we watched the corrupt city council planners
destroying my city that I had been so proud of, yes proud, even with
all its tatty edges and incongruities,
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was my town. And they were knocking
it down.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcnNTZfw7Gk/XuOxYPs1MII/AAAAAAAAByo/g5iAL4XI39ceyisoL8CRn8pn_eQHZDRsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Everton%2BLibrary%2B2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="202" data-original-width="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcnNTZfw7Gk/XuOxYPs1MII/AAAAAAAAByo/g5iAL4XI39ceyisoL8CRn8pn_eQHZDRsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Everton%2BLibrary%2B2019.jpg" /></a>I would be as vocal as I could with
some great success I gained a respect for my opinions and believed I
could shape the argument of how to keep what was the essence of the
city yet bring it into the modern times.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This is the city that knocked The
Cavern down and then called itself Beatles Town.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Liverpool became European Capital of
Culture and some argued that the only culture they could find was in
the yougurt, in the fridge, in the Kwik Save, in Old Swan.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They built without respect, on and on,
higher and higher, the World Heritage Site was becoming a
architectural mess.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2019/06/liverpool-threatened-with-world.html">https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2019/06/liverpool-threatened-with-world.html</a> I tried to inform the public. What happens if the econony shifts? I said.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I would be asked my opinion many
times.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
One request was to the merit of The Metropolitan Cathedral by
the Editor of the Liverpool Daily Post where I was careful not to
throw stones at it, but give it a conseintious view built up by years
of experience, questioning.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The lack of knowledge in the city for
its heritage assets was apparent, especially that of the Editor of
both the Daily Post Mark Thomas and the Liverpool Echo which had sunk
to an all time low under Alaistair Machray.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwQuC5OELxQ/VBbb2DiJ7zI/AAAAAAAAAkE/bJOcURGJ45M/s1600/Will%2BFarmer%2Band%2BWayne%2BColquhoun%2BAntiques%2BRoadshow.%2BLutyens%2BCrypt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwQuC5OELxQ/VBbb2DiJ7zI/AAAAAAAAAkE/bJOcURGJ45M/s320/Will%2BFarmer%2Band%2BWayne%2BColquhoun%2BAntiques%2BRoadshow.%2BLutyens%2BCrypt.JPG" width="320" /></a>It was in the Lutyens Crypt within the
Metropolitan Cathedral that I made my Antiques Roadshow debut where I
was invited to become a specialist on the longest running factual
programme in the history of the BBC. <a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2014/09/antiques-roadshow-what-amazing.html">https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2014/09/antiques-roadshow-what-amazing.html</a> This was the programme I had
loved since discovering it one Sunday night a long time ago. Those
stories those objects, It lit up my life like a beacon.</div>
<br />
<br />
Hopefuly I was invited to become part
of the show because I understand the meaning of how important the
past is to our future.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
How we need history, the stories and
meanings of the past.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
How we use objects as a vessel to
discover who we are.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And more importantly how to objectively
look at everything without believing what you are told. To question
and not be ordered how to think.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I believe that lad who taught me how to
throw a brick made me think, and I formed the opinion that we should
never trust in those who appear to be in a superior position.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And now I own a 19<sup>th</sup> century
Grade II listed slate built Chapel where I will open my new gallery
soon. I spent the summer restoring it and phase one is nearly
completed and I realize that those who live in ecclesiastical
buildings should not throw stones, yes I have learnt a
lot.....................oops, I have just realized I started off
writing about the designer architect who brought Gothic architecture
back to the fore and in doing so changed forever the shape of our
cities. Augustus Northmore Welby Pugin.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I will now have make that my next post
I got a bit carried away there.</div>
<a href="http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/07/augustus-welby-northmore-pugin-his.html">http://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2020/07/augustus-welby-northmore-pugin-his.html</a>Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-50164602730025300782020-05-12T14:33:00.003+01:002021-12-31T14:34:38.441+00:00Stranger On The Shore. By Acker Bilk-One Of My Favourite Things.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stranger On The Shore. By Acker Bilk.</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It seem topical and not hard to imagine
the title of this tune in today's Isolated climate of May 2020.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Being born into a slum clearance
terrace house that was not deemed fit for habitation, as a family we
got moved to a modern council estate on the outskirts of Liverpool.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Times were hard there was no money
around and the decline of the docks saw a demise of industry due to
the geographical change and containerization.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In this very poor climate it would be
easy to fall in to all the traps around me.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
During the 1970's times were really
tough but I got myself out and worked. Firstly as a milk lad helping
deliver milk on our estate for 15p a day. I saved up.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Then I got a job as a paper lad and was
able to earn a little money.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
All my well earned money went on
clothes, as my parents could not afford a lot....and fishing tackle.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Discovering fishing was a lifesaver for
me. I joined a newly formed club on the estate and we would go off to
these amazing locations in the countryside, of a Sunday, mostly, in
North Wales.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I can recall the first glistening Perch
I caught on a freezing Sunday morn. It was magical. It was small.
And the fact that it jumped on my hook didn't matter.<br />
I had caught a
fish.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The excitement of hunting these monster
fish we never caught was enthralling.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2015/03/pilkingtons-vase-decorated-by-richard.html">https://waynecolquhoun.blogspot.com/2015/03/pilkingtons-vase-decorated-by-richard.html</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYCIiZxmwLs/VRVehaAPz8I/AAAAAAAAAvc/wQC2zr7_0yA9xJCYhVj30wHIxMo0AMT9gCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Pilkington%2Bvase%2Bby%2BRichard%2BJoyce.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYCIiZxmwLs/VRVehaAPz8I/AAAAAAAAAvc/wQC2zr7_0yA9xJCYhVj30wHIxMo0AMT9gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Pilkington%2Bvase%2Bby%2BRichard%2BJoyce.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was my escape. Some of the kids at
school called me Findus or Captain Haddock but I did not care. It was
they who did not understand. Many of them would get into serious
trouble. While I stayed out of it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I asked my parents for a radio for
Christmas and a small leather cased portable radio that took a single
9V battery was found wrapped up on Christmas day.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It seems hard to imagine in this day
and age, how something as simple as having your own pocket radio
could change your life but it did. I carried it everywhere.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Listening and learning. Searching for
the limited number of stations that would introduce me to new music.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
During the course fishing closed season
we charrabanged on our old fashioned smiley faced coach up to The
lake district. The coach doubled up as a meeting place during the
week, a sort of youth club.<br />
It took hours of motorway.<br />
Then around a
corner as if landing on another planet there it was, The Lake. The
excitement of seeing Ullswater lake, several miles long simmering in
the beautiful luscious green land still lives with me today.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Me and my fishing friend got off the
coach we would be picked up early evening for the journey home. For a
day we were free. Fishing we went.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It may have been the wrong spot we
seemed to be on a shallow gravel shingle and the ledge for the lake
drop off was so far out that there was not even enough line on my
reel with which to cast out far enough.This was a bad spot.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WP30sdGImBE/Xrqi8KNnMZI/AAAAAAAABxU/4p1mS7beuCMDWoPgROEZ6Uea9gYuGyaoACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Stranger%2Bon%2BThe%2Blake.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WP30sdGImBE/Xrqi8KNnMZI/AAAAAAAABxU/4p1mS7beuCMDWoPgROEZ6Uea9gYuGyaoACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Stranger%2Bon%2BThe%2Blake.jpg" width="640" /></a><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></div>Ingenuity was needed. I emptied the
contents of my fishing basket on the bank and waded out with my rod
until the water came confortably up to the top of my wellies. I sunk
my basket and loaded it with rocks so it would not float away, and closed
the lid and sat on it.<br />
I was 300 yards away from the bank. In 15 inches of water.<br />
I took out of my
pocket, my box, of tanlged worms and baited up, on a size 14
spade end hook, casting comfortably over the shelf and hopefully into
the range of some monster trout.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I turned around and I was so far from
the bank amidst the shimmering silver glade of water. I felt as if I
was floating on silver ice. All around me was calm. The beauty moved
me, and to this day I can remember the rolling hills foreshadowing
that crystal mass of becalmed lake. There was no wind. It was
beautiful. I felt safe and calm and alone. The silence of the lake
deafened me with its majesty.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/h2xvKqaZI_w/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h2xvKqaZI_w?feature=player_embedded" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="320"></iframe></div>
I felt like a speckle, a tiny little
piece in the huge jigsaw of life.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I took out my coat pocket my radio and
tuned it into the only channel I could pick up. Crackling away I
finally balanced it in and on the radio as if by magic came the
beautiful sound of....... Stranger On The Shore.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I had heard it before but today the
beautiful clarinet solo hit me like a log, and as I looked around
here I was.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Stranger On The Shore.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was very emotional. I may have shed
a tear as I sat there looking around me at the sheer beauty of the
place. It was a shimmering surreal experience that I have never
forgotten.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The most beautiful isolation of my
life.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Away from it all, free of everything in
the wilderness of the deep. I was floating on air, or walking on
water.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In no time the beautiful tone filtered
away and I was forever moved in stillness.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Until my rod tipped and up from the
deep cane a two pound eel.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This was the worst place you could wish
to catch this slithering slimy half fish half snake, that you can
never grab properly.<br />
And all the time it wants to bite you.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We were always scared of eels for some
reason they would wrap around your arm like an Anaconda. I didn't want
to catch them.<br />
Getting it back to the bank after the cold water
slowly slipped over the top of my boots could have easily ruined my
day but at least it was a fish caught in the fishing competition of
life.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It took me an age to unhook the
wriggling slithering monster.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
That song has never left me and even
through my musical journey into Reggae, Soul, Punk, Joy Division and
many other genre's I would always have to pause to have my soul
pierced by the beauty of this old fashioned song that never left my
heart.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was something you didn't admit to
when your mates were buying Sex Pistols records called Never Mind The
B****cks, but I still recalled that day every time it was heard it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Twenty five years later at a massive
street market in Lille, by now I seem to have escaped all those
beartraps of life and I am a antique dealer. With a shop in a arcade
that Pevsner the architectural historian described as making
Burlington Arcade in London, look pedestrian.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There staring at me on the floor
amongst a load of junk is a shiny black ebony and silver keyed
......clarinet.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A beautiful instrument, and it seemed
to call me. I went over and picked it up and asked the price which
was the equivalent of £50. It was old, but I bought it for £35 or
the equivalent in Francs.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was like as if it called out to me.
Buy me. As if I got a clarion call.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As if I remembered the tune I grew up
with. That old fashioned tune by Acker Bilk who had become a
caricature of trad jazz, even though my favorite song was without
definition, it was part of that era.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was a beautiful tune.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Now coming from that council estate in
Liverpool and not having an education I have had to use my brains,
and my brain is telling me,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“You can't play a note, don't even
begin” So I ignored my own advice and showed it to a bloke who
come in the shop.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“Have you got a reed for it” he
said
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“What” I replied.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Ignorant to anything about it. He
brought a reed in the next day and clipped it into the mouthpiece. By
chance he was an old trad jazzer.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“Can you play Stranger On The Shore”
I said.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He did. It was as surreal as my early
experience. I wanted to learn it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I developed a way of writing down the
notes by sketching on paper the holes of the clarinet and coloring in the
ones that my fingers would close. To form a note.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I soon realized that the note C was,
three colored in dots, and D was two. Six was low G and all open was
the G in the octave above.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was like learning a new language.
But I like a challenge.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And so began the longest journey of my
life. Having no musical experience whatso-ever. At forty years of age. I decided I was going to take up the clarinet. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Learning to read from the stave was a
long and lonely task. You can't buy it. you have to keep on keeping
on. Barrier after barrier was broken down until I could read a basic
tune.<br />
I felt that my fingers needed breaking and resetting again as
they had formed, not as a musician at all, at all.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Every day I worked an hour at least for
years. I learnt the tune I heard as a child and it was an achievement
like nothing else I had done before.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I was now a musician of sorts. Formed a band even. wrote out scores.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I stopped and thought one day why do
you like that old fashioned tune so much?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I learnt that when I was still a baby, it was the theme tune to a series on BBC. It was written
by Acker Bilk and named after his daughter Jenny shortly after she was born.
He gifted her all the royalties. It went to no One in America and no two in Britain. And in May 1969 the crew of Apollo 10 took it with them, into their own isolation, to the moon. It was played at the funeral of a dear friend who knew I played it.<br />
I have often seen Acker Bilk on TV in daft hats and striped waistcoats , in old
films with names like Its Trad Dad or similar, man he could play.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vq-DZjUWdf4/XrqkZkleULI/AAAAAAAABxg/FMpsNs3_hbwKf_0ZPGBcEnsUWOsi8Ax8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/My%2BClarinet.%2BWayne%2BColquhoun..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vq-DZjUWdf4/XrqkZkleULI/AAAAAAAABxg/FMpsNs3_hbwKf_0ZPGBcEnsUWOsi8Ax8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/My%2BClarinet.%2BWayne%2BColquhoun..jpg" width="240" /></a>I learnt it was the second longest running record in the charts, ever, or the hit parade as it used to be
called.<br />
Fifty two weeks in continuity. It made number two.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It wasn't just me that liked it. They played The Cavern Club.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Then The Beatles came along and it all
changed.<br />
But you cant keep a beautiful tune down and here I am
several decades later still talking about it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I was honored to have been invited to
join The Antiques Roadshow team in 2015 and its fair to say I kept
myself away from all those traps that lurked in wait.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I educated myself but it was all due to
a work ethic to aquire my fishing tackle, and the need to get out of town, to
be, even just for a few hours, that Stranger On The Shore.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In these difficult times with everyone
in lockdown, I can put my licquorice stick together and play....from
memory......Stranger On The Shore.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
That I learnt by dots.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And I am transferred back to the
Cumbrian lakes, in isolation, on a shingle shore, without a care.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And today as I play, several decades
later a tear slips down my cheek, again.
</div>
<br />Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-9522136456417005132020-04-21T15:02:00.001+01:002021-01-30T12:00:20.149+00:00Bathing Venus-Piece of the Week<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qlWbZxUKVc/Xp78ScJnv_I/AAAAAAAABwU/ItD6V98QTEI50onroCUFcfzvp3jQZHrawCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bathing%2BVenus%2Bside%2Bview.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qlWbZxUKVc/Xp78ScJnv_I/AAAAAAAABwU/ItD6V98QTEI50onroCUFcfzvp3jQZHrawCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bathing%2BVenus%2Bside%2Bview.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: #f3f5eb; color: #333333; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">More </span><span style="background-color: #f3f5eb; color: #333333; font-family: "roboto"; font-size: 16px;">widely known as The Crouching Venus. </span><br />
<div style="background-color: #f3f5eb; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9osQRFWWMF4/Xp78STtyqWI/AAAAAAAABwQ/rq8R7sUQUD0WJ6Z-LtIEsMiUseH4MEG7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bathing%2BVenus.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9osQRFWWMF4/Xp78STtyqWI/AAAAAAAABwQ/rq8R7sUQUD0WJ6Z-LtIEsMiUseH4MEG7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bathing%2BVenus.jpg" width="320" /></a>This study, after the antique and was cast mid 19th century.</div>
<div style="background-color: #f3f5eb; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
The Crouching Venus has been excavated on numerous different Roman sites, in Italy and in France. There are slightly differing versions. But one thing that never changes is the fact that the study captures Venus at her bath, startled, and she very often is depicted with her arm slightly raised to cover her breasts.</div>
<div style="background-color: #f3f5eb; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
She has been an inspiration to sculptors and artists for centuries.</div>
<div style="background-color: #f3f5eb; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
There are, among others, examples in The Louvre Paris, The Uffizi in Florence and The British Museum has an example.</div>
<div style="background-color: #f3f5eb; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
She is Hellenistic in style and has influenced so many artists such as Rubens who painted an 'Allegory' 1612-13, after he saw The Lely Venus then in The Gonzaga collection at Mantua.</div>
<div style="background-color: #f3f5eb; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #f3f5eb; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
This example bears its foundry seal.</div>
<div style="background-color: #f3f5eb; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
Bronze. Beautiful Chocolate Patina.</div>
<div style="background-color: #f3f5eb; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
34cm high</div>
<div style="background-color: #f3f5eb; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
£2850 <a href="http://www.classicartdeco.co.uk/sculpture.php" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">See More Here</a></div>
Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538163816188285061.post-81270499582780968092020-04-05T13:36:00.000+01:002020-04-05T13:40:12.150+01:00Art Nouveau Corner Cabinet-Piece of the Week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Its an age since I purchased this Art Nouveau Corner cabinet in the South of France at a trade fair.<br />
<div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gk8QAGMKLAs/XHg4PxPfNSI/AAAAAAAABgI/_0jTL43GtOc7YyAtf3KC4Hns7jaRx56CACLcBGAs/s1600/Art%2BNouveau%2BGuimard%2BStyle%2BCorner%2BCabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="948" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gk8QAGMKLAs/XHg4PxPfNSI/AAAAAAAABgI/_0jTL43GtOc7YyAtf3KC4Hns7jaRx56CACLcBGAs/s640/Art%2BNouveau%2BGuimard%2BStyle%2BCorner%2BCabinet.jpg" width="377" /></a> Its fragile alright. The work that has gone into it is unbelievable.</div>
<div>
The fretwork is so delicate in places that I dared not move it for ages. </div>
<div>
So it stayed under the stairs at my previous address for so long that I forgot about it. </div>
<div>
When moving house a few more pieces become loose but it was all there. </div>
<div>
So I got my tools out and restored it. </div>
<div>
I had kept all the bits and put them in the drawer, so it was just a case of regluing them back into place.</div>
<div>
I felt guilty that I had forgotten about this amazing piece of Art Nouveau that has a look of Henry Van de Velde, a hint of Guimard but is probally school of Nancy if the location in which I bought it is any indication.</div>
<div>
I remembered when I purchased it, right as it came Au Cul Du Camion....right out the back of a wagon within five minutes of the start of the market.</div>
<div>
I grabbed it.</div>
<div>
Dealers fell all over it but I had hold of it tight, I was not going to let it go and the guy who owned it did a deal, looking bewildered with all the excitement it had generated, thinking he had undersold it, which he had. Two guys asked me if I wanted to sell it and how much I paid for it right away.</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It breaks down into two parts and when I was carrying it back to the van an Italian bloke tried to buy it off me.</div>
<div>
"Style Liberty, Style Liberty" he kept saying. </div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5QXBTIdme0/XHg4N9pEn3I/AAAAAAAABgU/B_6e59cQmsAjie06Kmn8EXujfkDRX_9BQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Art%2BNouveau%2BGuimard%2BStyle%2BCorner%2BCabinet%2Bhandle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5QXBTIdme0/XHg4N9pEn3I/AAAAAAAABgU/B_6e59cQmsAjie06Kmn8EXujfkDRX_9BQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Art%2BNouveau%2BGuimard%2BStyle%2BCorner%2BCabinet%2Bhandle.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
The Italian call Art Nouveau, Style Liberty after the shop in Regent Street opened by Arthur Lazenby Liberty. I refused and eventually I wound my way back up to the North West of England with it rattling about worrying me every time I turned a corner. There it remained for a decade or more. </div>
<div>
It dried out a bit, as it would, so I had to reglue the joints. Its times like this that my apprenticeship training comes in really handy. It is made of two different woods the carcasse of it being a softwood and most of the fretwork edges are made of oak so they are stronger and easier to carve.</div>
<div>
This detailed restoration was needed when I bought it and considering its over a hundred years old its done well to last.</div>
<div>
But with all the work now carried out and a coat of wax its now looking great.</div>
<div>
But now..............................<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMwfpl-zwZw/XHg4M0Vz-iI/AAAAAAAABgM/J9xZsQfrF-0l-FUir3iO2tIQndloXBTrwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Art%2BNouveau%2BGuimard%2BStyle%2BCorner%2BCabinet%2Bdetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="997" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMwfpl-zwZw/XHg4M0Vz-iI/AAAAAAAABgM/J9xZsQfrF-0l-FUir3iO2tIQndloXBTrwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Art%2BNouveau%2BGuimard%2BStyle%2BCorner%2BCabinet%2Bdetail.jpg" width="199" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Hp9HYvi3jQ/XHg4NTIreAI/AAAAAAAABgQ/unPjfi6s50keWw4JngAHTUOK3j_EBx4ZACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Art%2BNouveau%2BGuimard%2BStyle%2BCorner%2BCabinet%2Bdetail%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Hp9HYvi3jQ/XHg4NTIreAI/AAAAAAAABgQ/unPjfi6s50keWw4JngAHTUOK3j_EBx4ZACPcBGAYYCw/s320/Art%2BNouveau%2BGuimard%2BStyle%2BCorner%2BCabinet%2Bdetail%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I dont want to move it again. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I wonder how long it will sit in the corner for this time. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Well I can think of worse things to have in the corner of your room.</span><br />
<br /></div>
Wayne Colquhounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845598616032131715noreply@blogger.com0