Freed From Time

Latest

Burgh House and Hampstead Museum Interior

Hampstead Museum A Child of Africa by Christine Gregory

Burgh House contains the Hampstead Museum⇒ which, although small, is quite pleasant and useful to those with an interest in the locality and its history. The house also provides an indoor/outdoor café (The Buttery) with some well kept flora⇐, is very near to Fenton House⇐ and not far from Hampstead Heath and Kenwood House⇐.

The Artwork

Hampstead Museum Peggy Jay Gallery

Hampstead Museum George Charlton Portrait

Hampstead Museum Viaduct on Hampstead Heath by Rea Stavropoulos

The History

A sample of Hampstead history exhibits, spanning from the Mesolithic period to the present day. The exhibits include items from WWII.

Hampstead Museum Flint Artifacts

Hampstead Museum Mayor’s Chair

Posted by Graham in Hats | May 25, 2016 | Categories: Art, History, london, museums, North London, Photography, places to photograph in london, Places to Visit, Travel, uk | Tags: christine gregory, george charlton, hampstead, peggy jay, rea stavropoulus | Leave a comment

New River and Woodberry Wetlands

“Well hello, welcome to the New River Walk and the recently opened Woodberry Wetland Nature Reserve”.

The river was new in 1613 when it was created to provide London with a water supply. Now it is part of the Capital Ring Walk⇒ and this is just one section. This Google map⇒ (collapse the left panel) will help and shows probably the best approach being from Manor House underground rail station through or alongside Finsbury Park to the river”.

There isn’t a lot of wildlife but it is a quite a pleasant walk and does have the occasional comedian.

Mallard Ducks

“Well I’ve got the pipe now what about the slippers”.

Wood Pigeon

“I find it best to look the other way”.

Eventually the river curves around (see map) to Newnton Close where one can choose to take the south path (on the left) beside the East Reservoir or continue on the north side of the river (on the right) . On the far side is a very pleasant indoor/outdoor café

You are now in the Woodberry Wetlands Nature Reserve⇒. The reserve was opened by Sir David Attenborough on 30th April 2016. A the time of writing (early May 2016) I did not see a lot of wildlife but it is early days yet and the habitat looks promising.

If you choose the river walk then, just beside the path at the far right corner, you will find Mr Toad (and Mole).

And, on the reservoir ⇓ a few clients are starting to appear.

“A bijou residence with lakeside views ! Those estate agents, really”.

Canada Goose

“New York or bust”.

“Four score and seven years ago ~ “.

At the far end of the East Reservoir there is a quite substantial café beside this carving. Across the road can be seen the West Reservoir. At the West Reservoir’s approach there are the Riverside Gardens and the broad steps are a good place for a picnic.

Riverside Gardens

Opposite the water feature is the West reservoir and at the far end are the water sports⇒ and indoor climbing⇒ centres.

Continuing along the river path, one eventually comes onto Green Lanes beside the sports centre. Turning left, it is only a short walk (see the Google map) to wonderful Clissold Park⇐ with its wildlife, animal enclosures and numerous facilities.

A little afterthought ~

Posted by Graham in Hats | May 15, 2016 | Categories: Art, Free, london, North London, Photography, places to photograph in london, Places to Visit, Travel, uk, Wildlife | Tags: canada goose, coot, nature reserve, river, wetlands | 2 Comments

St Mary’s Church in Stoke Newington

A view of the stunning St Mary’s Church⇒, designed by George Gilbert Scott, as seen from just inside Clissold Park⇐ at the eastern end. The church dates from 1858 and was built when the “Old” church (further down this page) was no longer adequate. Inside the “New” church ⇓.

And, from the street ⇑. Just to the left, on the nearer side of the street, is the old church ⇓.

The old church site dates back to the early 14th century but was rebuilt during the 16th century. This makes it the oldest Elizabethan church still in use in London. It is also a venue for community events, artwork, music and for hire. The website is here⇐.

Thanks for the visit and perhaps you would like the Clissold Park Goslings⇐.

Posted by Graham in Hats | May 14, 2016 | Categories: History, london, North London, Photography, places to photograph in london, Places to Visit, Travel, uk | Tags: church font, churches, george gilbert scott, Stained Glass, stoke newington | 6 Comments

Clissold Park, Deer, Goats and Ducks

Clissold Park is one of the most pleasant places I have been fortunate enough to visit. It has lakes with numerous waterfowl, a goat enclosure, a deer enclosure, a small butterfly house (sometimes), a paddling pool (sometimes), a playground, a skate park, a small aviary, tennis courts and an indoor/outdoor café. Please click here⇐ for more information and an expandable park map.

The above view is from near the Green Lanes entrance. Probably the easiest means of travel is to Manor House underground rail station then a bus 141 or 341 (from Stop C beside the shops opposite the Park View Cafe) traveling south and alight at the second stop after passing the large brick-built synagogue with two towers.

Just to the left of the entrance is the first lake (the other is a little further along) where, of course, will be found some of these ⇓.

White Ducks

For more Clissold Park wildfowl including Canada Geese Goslings please click here ⇐.

And, for still more with Egyptian Geese Goslings, Mallard Ducklings and Coot Chicks please click here ⇐.

And, there are some ducks here ⇓ followed by some four legged critters and the café with its Wisteria. 🙂

Tufted Duck

Another Tufted Duck

Which James Bond film does he ⇑ remind you of ?

Redhead Duck

” I may appear to be a little wooden but the girls are more relaxed” ⇓.

Female Redhead Duck

“Oh what bliss, four or five hours to put my feet up while his nibs does posing”

“Oh well, I suppose I could take a break. Somebody peel me a grape”.

Further towards the church steeple and a little to the right are the enclosures..

“Did somebody mention nibbles”.

There is small geodetic dome for a butterfly house but it was not open when I was there. There is also a small aviary but it was not possible to photograph through the complex mesh. So I photographed a flower instead and then on to the deer.

Fallow Deer

You cannot enter these enclosure and these photographs were taken with a zoom lens. Nevertheless, it is an opportunity to safely see these animals and without having to travel far out of London.

There are more deer at Bushy Park ⇐, Richmond Park and Hampton Court Old Deer Park. In those places it is possible to roam more freely (with care) although the deer can be difficult to locate in such large expanses. The easiest to find are at Hampton Court Old Deer Park where the deer are either in the open field or somewhere beneath the single line of trees.

A little further on is a view of St Mary’s Church (Stoke Newington). The small footbridge crosses a short section of what remains of New River, which was new in 1613. More of that later.

Moving to the left and going around, there is ⇓.

The Clissold House café with its nearby hedge of Wisteria. At the bottom right can be seen a little of the old New River.

Female Mallard

Which also has the occasional duck.

The Wisteria hedge

Wisteria Close Up

On the other side of the Wisteria hedge is another area of the café. Such places can be a little expensive, so a picnic is always worth considering.

So as we leave the park, the church is at our backs and will be in another post. Not far off is the Rose and Crown with menus⇒ where the prices are not too unreasonable for a meal and you can get a Sunday Roast up to eight or nine in the evening (probably a good idea to book ahead).

I hope you enjoyed the tour. Next is the nearby St Mary’s Church⇐ and then the slightly more rugged Woodberry Wetlands and New River walk⇐.

Posted by Graham in Hats | May 12, 2016 | Categories: North London, Photography, places to photograph in london, Places to Visit, Travel, uk, Wildlife | Tags: deer, mallard, park, redhead duck, st mary's, stoke newington, tufted duck, wisteria | 2 Comments

Clissold Park Goslings, Ducklings and Coot Chicks

“My name is Pond, James Pond, and ~”. – More here ⇓ and Here⇐.

Clissold Park Egyptian Goose and Goslings DSC_3877

Egyptian Geese and Goslings

“Here we come, walkin’ down the street, we get the funniest looks from, ev’ry one we meet.
Hey, hey, we’re the Goslings, and people say we paddle around.
But we’re too busy singing, to put anybody down”.

“Whisper, whisper”.

“You’re kidding”.

“Oh my gosh, he’s right”. “One small step for man, one giant leap for a little gosling”.

“Oh look, I’ve got two of them”.

“See what I have to put up with”.

“Where’s that bus. Looks like we’ll have to swim for it”

“I get around, get around round round, I get around,
I’m gettin’ bugged driving up and down this same old strip, I gotta finda new place where the kids are hip,
My buddies and me are getting real well known, yeah, the bad guys know us and they leave us alone,
I get around, get around round round, I get around”.

“We are sailing, we are sailing, home again ‘cross the sea.
We are sailing stormy waters, to be near you, to be free”.

Coot and Chicks

Many people think that the expression “bald as a coot” refers to the white featherless shield on the adult coots forehead.

There might be another explanation.

“I saw a mouse, where, there on the stair, where on the stair, right there,
A little mouse with clogs on, well I declare, going clip clippity clop on the stair”.

Mallard Duck

“Just call me Slick”.

Female Mallard and Ducklings

Mallard Duckling

“Oh soup. The world is made of soup. Oh frabjous day”. 🙂

“They call me Baby Driver, and once upon a pair of wheels,
Hit the road and I’m gone ah, what’s my number,
I wonder how your engine feels, ba ba ba ba”.

Moorhen

“This is the river police. We know you’re here somewhere. Stop all that singing and come out with your wings up”. 🙂

More about Clissold Park and more goslings and ducks here⇐.

Posted by Graham in Hats | May 10, 2016 | Categories: Free, fun, North London, Photography, places to photograph in london, Places to Visit, Travel, uk, Wildlife | Tags: coots, ducklings, egyptian geese, goslings, mallard, park, parks, waterfowl | 6 Comments

Clissold Park Geese, Ducks and Swan

Canada Goose and Goslings

“Announcing the Goslette triblings”. – More here ⇓ and Here⇐.

“Oh dad”. “Honestly, he’s so embarrassing”.

“Where’s Agnes”.

“I’m off”.

“I say, lets all go see the fountain.”.

Clissold park also has a Fallow Deer enclosure, goats, an aviary and is quite close to the new wetlands nature reserve at Woodberry. More of these things later. In the meantime:-

White Duck Family

Charlie is the original “odd duck”.

He leads his aquatic family from the bank side, quacking all the way.

It looks and sounds very much like a trainer calling instructions to a rowing crew

“Don’t do that when I’m talking to you”. “Really, no manners whatsonever”.

And, off they go again.

Female Tufted Duck

“Quackers”. Well one can’t have a post about ducks without it.

Redhead Duck

“One should be more sedate”.

“And keep up appearances”.

“Oh the stress”.

“Stress ! You should see my bill for neck maintenance”.

“On the other hand”

“I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Watchin’ the tide roll away, ooh
I’m just sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time

doop doo doo, dup be doob be doo doo”.

More about Clissold Park and more goslings and ducks here⇐.

Posted by Graham in Hats | May 8, 2016 | Categories: Animals, Free, fun, london, North London, Photography, places to photograph in london, Places to Visit, Travel, uk, Wildlife | Tags: canada geese, goslings, lake, park, swan, white duck | 7 Comments

New work – at last!

It ls not often that I will re-blog something but this is worth seeing. All made from small items. Good luck to the artist Jane Perkins. For the original and Jane Perkin’s blog please click here ⇒. I feel sure that encouragement would be welcome. 🙂

Jane Perkins

I have finally finished two new pieces of work – on the theme of The (Un-natural) Natural World: The King of the Beasts and Cockatoo

The mane of King of the Beasts is made up of hundreds of plastic animals. Both works will go on display in a one day exhibition – Art in the Aisles – in my local church of Kenton this weekend. After that …??

Beethoven has now been photographed and printed onto laminated aluminium (looking good!) and the next step is to film the disassembling of the original using time-lapse photography – a new process for me. The component materials will then be displayed in a clear jar (urn) alongside the print. Watch this space, as they say!

View original post

Posted by Graham in Hats | May 4, 2016 | Categories: Art | Tags: Jane Perkins, recycled | 4 Comments

Burgh House and Hampstead Flora

Burgh House provides space for the small Hampstead Museum⇐ and a pleasant indoor/outdoor tea-room (The Buttery). It is close to the charming Fenton House⇐, not far from Kenwood House⇐ and the outdoor seating area has some nicely kept flora.

The above orchid is from inside Burgh House and the flora below is from picturesque Hampstead.

Posted by Graham in Hats | April 30, 2016 | Categories: Flora, Flowers, North London, Photography, places to photograph in london, Places to Visit, Travel, uk | Tags: blossom, bluebells, garden, orchids, spring, tea rooms | 1 Comment

30+ Attractions on London’s South Bank

Here there are more than 30 places to visit on London’s South Bank and more than 40 additional places to visit, in and around London, shown in this sites Gallery ⇐, most of which can be photographed.

South Bank Attractions

This ⇐ indicates a click-on link to a photographic article with a further link to the location’s website.

This ⇒ indicates a direct link to the location’s website.

Locations can be found on this Google Map where one can enter the name of a location in the Search box and/or click-on + to magnify.

Several Miles East of Bankside

Fabulous Maritime Greenwich ⇐ includes extensive parklands, several free venues, numerous photographic opportunities, the Fan Museum, the Naval College Painted Hall and Chapel, the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, the Planetarium, the Cutty Sark, craft market, a comedy club, theatre, picturehouse, numerous eateries and a notable history.

The most straightforward travel route is by use of the Docklands Light Railway to the “Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich” station. Alternatively the DLR to Deptford then the No 53 bus to the top gardens (saves walking up the hill)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Just East of Bankside

Tower Bridge Exhibition ⇐ ⇒. Visit inside to see the architecture, machinery and high level views including the glass floor.

Nearest station is Tower Hill.

and the The Tower of London ⇐ ⇒. on the North Bank, includes walking the battlements, the White Tower (armaments and armour) The Fusiliers Museum, Royal Chapel and Crown Jewels. You can photograph for non-commercial purposes everything except the last two.

Nearest station is Tower Hill.

Back to the South Bank and the nearest station to the following venues is London Bridge.

Whites Grounds Skate Park ⇒.

HMS Belfast ⇒. Access is from the South Bank. The easiest way to get there is the walkway at the corner Morgan’s Lane (see Google map) near London Bridge station.

View what life was like on board for the crew at war and at sea from WW2 to 1963. Best to check the website/contact for photographic opportunity inside the ship.

London Bridge City Pier ⇒. Boat trips to/from North Greenwich (east) and Embankment (west).

The Shard Viewing Platform ⇒. At the top of the tallest building

in the European Union. It can be expensive but, according to their website there is “no time restriction on your stay”.

London Bridge Experience ⇒. Billed as the UK’s scariest year round attraction, complete with tombs.

Southwark Cathedral ⇐ ⇒. A site of worship for more than a thousand years, it has some extraordinary stained glass and a curious legend attached. It is free to enter and an amateur photographer’s permit can be obtained from the cathedral shop for £2.50. The cathedral is in continuous use, so do check the link (and on to the website) for the times of services.

The Clink Prison Museum ⇒. Built upon the original site of the Clink Prison (1144) and gave all other prisons their pseudonym. Do see the link for opening times.

Along Bankside

The Golden Hinde II ⇒. A replica of Sir Frances Drake’s ship. The original was used to circumnavigate the globe between 1577 and 1580. Available for fun and interactive tours.

Anchor Pub ⇒. From where you can get a first view of St Paul’s Cathedral across the Thames. A tavern has been on this site for more than 800 years and was rebuilt in 1676 after being destroyed in the Great Fire of London.

The Rose Playhouse ⇒. The first Elizabethan theatre on Bankside and continues to entertain audiences today. Please see the website link for “Whats on” .

The Globe Theatre ⇒. A replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre just a few hundred yards from where the original stood. The theatre provides tours, exhibitions and plays. Please see the website link for opening times, available options and “Whats on”.

Millennium Bridge ⇒(Wiki). That’s the one that, as soon as it was opened, had to be closed for two years to fix the alarming swaying motion and was known to Londoner’s as the “wobbly bridge”. It is now used extensively by pedestrians and is a convenient means of passage between the South Bank and St Paul’s Cathedral.

St Paul’s Cathedral ⇐ ⇒. Although this is on the North Bank, it is but a short walk across the footbridge. There is a charge for admission and there are only a few days each year when photography is allowed. It does have some extraordinary architecture and decor, There are many more photographs attached to the above link.

South Bank Street Performers mostly in the vicinity of the footbridge.

South Bank Street Performers

and often includes a Bubbleer more pictures ⇐.

The Tate Modern ⇐ ⇒. is a large modern art gallery very close to the footbridge on the South Bank. There are a great variety of works including some of political history and ideology. It is free to enter and you may photograph for non-commercial purposes.

Near to The Tate Modern and Millenium Footbridge ⇓.

Bankside Gallery ⇒. An educational charity of the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers. Artwork is also for sale.

Purdy Hicks ⇒. Art Dealers .

Nearer to The London Eye (Giant Ferrris Wheel) and nearest underground station is Waterloo ⇓

National Theatre ⇒. Whats on.

Southbank Skate Park ⇒.

Hayward Gallery ⇒ . Closed for two years from October 2015 for essential repairs..

Queen Elizabeth Hall ⇒. Closed for two years from October 2015 for essential repairs.

South Bank Centre ⇒ , A variety of events and festivals dedicated to the arts.

London Wonderground ⇒ . Circus, cabaret, fairground and family entertainment.

London Eye ⇒. Giant Ferris Wheel (as seen from St James Park on the north side of the Thames).

Between the London Eye and Westminster Bridge ⇓

Sea Life ⇒. Aquarium.

The London Dungeon ⇒ . “We are a thrill-filled journey through London’s murky past. You get 110 minutes of laughs, scares, theatre, shocks, rides, special effects, characters, jokes, mazes and storytelling”.

Shrek’s Adventure ⇒. “Join Donkey on his magical 4D flying bus before journeying through 10 interactive live shows in a walk and ride madcap adventure”.

Westminster Palace ⇐ ⇒. As seen from the South Bank across Westminster Bridge. The link leads to information about tours inside the Palace.

West of Westminster Bridge on the South Bank ⇓

Florence Nightingale Museum ⇒.

Lambeth Palace and Park ⇒.

Garden Museum ⇒. at Lambeth.

Tate Britain ⇐ ⇒. On the North Bank but only a short walk over Vauxhall Bridge. The Tate Britain houses a quite large collection of classical works and modern pieces.

Posted by Graham in Hats | April 28, 2016 | Categories: Art, Free, History, london, Photography, places to photograph in london, Places to Visit, South London, uk | Tags: cathedrals, london attractions, london views, south bank, street performers, theatre | 2 Comments

Fenton House, Porcelain, Instruments, Views, Hampstead

20 pics. Fenton House is not spectacular but it is very charming with a large collection of porcelain (including Meissen) together with several musical instruments and paintings. Its website is here (it isn’t open every day and there is a charge but there are occasional concerts) and some of its history here.

The above view of the gardens is from the third floor balcony and in the distance can be seen The Admirals House (where the origins of Mary Poppins was written) which has its own history here.

One can photograph everywhere except the harpsichord in the dining room (it belongs to the Queen) and the large framed pictures on the third floor.

Unfortunately there is no café but there several places for refreshment near the corner of Mount Square and Heath Street and along New End there is The Duke of Hamilton and The Buttery of Burgh House (they are all on Google Maps).

Not far away, just to the north of Hampstead Heath, is Kenwood House which is free to enter.

The Meissen.