Brighten the Day 1
10 pics. I’ve put aside some florality to brighten the winter days. Collages will include flowers, orchids, bonsai trees, statues, an occasional odd duck and perhaps something photo-shopped. Mostly from the Wisley flower show. This is the first, I hope that it brightens your day. 🙂 Click on twice to expand an image.
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Have a guess how old this Bonsai tree (Juniperus Rigida) is, Answer further down.
It’s not my fault. I just live here.
Best Friends by Harriet Francis
Fluffy did it.
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And, the Bonsai tree is an amazing 150 years old.
More Brighten the Day ⇐.
Hatfield House and Gardens
There is a lot of history and a lot to see at Hatfield House. This is just a sample. I’ve started with this flower because it is the most regal that I have seen. You might also like to view the amazing interiors and some of its Elizabethan history by clicking here.
Inside the house are the famous Rainbow and Ermine portraits of Elizabeth I, together with a number of ornate ceilings and artifacts.
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For instance, this is Lord Burghley who created and ran what was probably the first organized intelligence service.
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. Access from Hatfield rail station is via a viaduct (I’ve always wanted to say that) that spans over a village.
Further into the estate is the old house and gardens.
This is the rear view of the newer house.
Across the green is the old church.
And, nearby is a path leading to the church which is open to visitors for part of the day.
In the church grounds there is this Tudor cottage.
And, inside the church the ceiling is being restored.
There are a number of gardens and water features.
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Meet the crew. There are several statues but I thought this was the best and appears to feature Queen Elizabeth I herself.
There is quite an extensive shopping mall with a gallery, large cafe and this. A toy shop and gun shop side by side. What can I say, it’s the countryside. Here are some flowers.
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If you like history then Hatfield House is steeped in it. More here.
Hatfield House and Elizabeth I
17 pics. Hatfield House is one of the most historically significant places to photograph near London and The Grounds ⇐, Extraordinary Chickens ⇐, Hatfield House Website ⇒.
Upon an autumn day being 27th November 1558 beside an oak tree near to Hatfield House which was her home at the time, Princess Elizabeth Tudor was told that she had become Queen Elizabeth I of England, following the death of her elder half-sister Queen Mary I.
Elizabeth’s accession had not been a certainty. Queen Mary I, also known as “Bloody Mary”, resented her own mother’s displacement as Henry VIII’s wife by Elizabeth’s mother Anne Boleyn. Queen Mary’s sobriquet stemmed from her attempt to return England to Catholicism by persecution of Protestants. Elizabeth was considered to have protestant leanings and likely to undo Mary’s efforts.
Fortunately Elizabeth was popular and had a number of powerful allies. Otherwise the whole future of Britain would have been changed and would have had a significant impact upon world history. Elizabeth’s reign of 44 years was known as a Golden Age with herself as “Gloriana” the virgin queen.
Portraits of Elizabeth started to include a variety of symbols which made them statements of intent and power and helped to establish the cult of Elizabeth. Here are two of them with some of the symbols explained, followed by images from within Hatfield House.
The Ermine Portrait shows Elizabeth holding an olive branch in her right hand signifying the offer of peace. Upon her left is an ermine wearing a crown as a collar and near her left hand the sword of state.
The ermine in the picture, with its black flecks, is a stylised version that indicates its heraldic significance that looks up to the queen.
An ermine is a stoat (short-tailed weasel) in its white winter coat. It represents purity and valour based upon an old legend that it would rather die than soil its white coat. Monarchs and peers had used the ermine to make cloaks. With several of the pelts sown together, the black tipped tails created a pattern of dark flecks. This then became an heraldic device of black flecks upon white.
Taken overall the message is that whilst Elizabeth offered peace, she was ready to use the sword, limited only by righteous regal purity.
The Rainbow Portrait includes the Latin phrase “Non Sine Sole Iris” (No Rainbow Without Sun). Although in the last year of her reign, Elizabeth is depicted in her prime with flowery symbols of spring on her dress.
The dress is protected by a cloak that has eyes and ears both inside and outside. There is also a serpent on her arm that represents subtle wisdom and a powerful bite.
The rainbow in her right hand seems to have no colour. I have not found a commentator who explains this but does seem to be of significance.
Taken altogether this is Elizabeth as the source of nature’s beauty and light protected by an ability to hear and see everything and to act upon that knowledge.
One of the famous Queen Elizabeth I Armada paintings can be seen at The Queen’s House ⇐ in Greenwich.
There have been many films depicting Elizabeth’s very dramatic life. My personal favourites are the 1998 film “Elizabeth” and the 2007 film “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” both starring Cate Blanchett and, I think, definitely worth seeing.
And, here is the house:-
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There are a great many works of art in Hatfield House, this one took my interest because it shows that artists of the past had some curious notions or tried to create them. In this picture of Eden there are people other than Adam and Eve and some of the animals are transparent. Click on twice for a closer view.
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This painting of Cicely Alice (Marchioness of Salisbury) was painted about 1910. I found it to be somewhat enigmatic. Whilst I could not find any cause for it, if you click on twice to expand, it looks as if she is about to burst into tears.
More from the grounds ⇐.
Sculpture at Wisely
One of the events at Wisley Gardens has been the sculpture trail. Here are just a few that I found particularly engaging and here are the Alice in Wonderland pieces. A couple of clicks to expand. Enjoy ~
Sea Horse in Rockery at Wisley Gardens
Figure XVIII by Henriette Van der Does at Wisley Gardens
The Dodo by Robert James Sculpture Ltd at Wisley Gardens
Making Time by Lynn Warren at Wisley Gardens
Time to Go by Lynn Warren at Wisley Gardens
Pan at Wisley Gardens
Moon Gazing Hare by Alan Wallis at Wisley Gardens
Offering by Everard Meynell at Wisley Gardens
The Dancers by Lilly Henry at Wisley Gardens
Wisley Gardens Orchids and Pitchers
Wisley Gardens (main post here) has a very well kept glass house with many amazing inhabitants. Here are just a few.
I didn’t know what this was called. I thought “Your Highness” was probably the safest option.
The glass house is much bigger than this, but I particularly like this section. More at Wisley Gardens.
A Very Model Village at Bekonscot
30 pictures. Bekonscot Model Village, near Beaconsfield rail station, just to the north west of London, is one of the most unusual places to photograph near London.
– For detail, please click on and image and then again to expand –
Of course, one stayed at the best hotel, as one does.
Having arrived in style, as one does too.
Then tea with the local squire and a tour of the town.
You might notice that they are keen to discourage running. It’s for the benefit of the occasional giant. Personally, I’ve never needed any discouragement.
Caught up on some local news. The forecast was that there would be weather all day, so we strolled on.
The local fireman in action. Good show, what.
After all the excitement, a little libation seemed in order. Then, on to the town center.
Of course, they do like their little joke. Fruiterers U.R.A Peach, Evan Leigh Soles and Lee Key Plumbers.
Seems a bit quiet but they’re all in the Royal Saracens Head.
With such an open invitation, how could one refuse. Thirsty work, all this walking about.
After a drink or two, we thought we’d behave responsibly and refrain from driving. So we borrowed the twin-engined job. ↓ 😀
Of course Bekonscot does have a very good transport system.
We gave the jolly old castle a fly by. They turned out the guard for us. Actually, I think we were being shot at but I’m sure they didn’t mean it, just a bit of fun. 🙂
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A nice little church, right next to the fun fair.
And, another with a quite modern vicarage.
The cider apple farm. Almost landed for a sample, but thought we’d better press on. 🙂
Bekonscot is generally very industrious and the canal very busy.
The old castle ruins are very popular. In the background one can see some of those giants I mentioned earlier with they’re plaintiff cries of “Don’t do that to your sister” and “How many times have I got to tell you”. I believe their numbers are kept down by congestion charging. 😀
The old fishing village.
The college is world-famous. Mostly for its prodigious cider consumption.
Farming is strictly organic. There’s a recital every day. 😀
Plenty of other entertainment though. With the latest in performers.
It was from here that Sir Earnest Guzzelit embarked on his exploration of the Amazon rain-forest. Nobody has had the heart to tell him that he’s been going round in circles for two years.
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There’s Fred with his steam roller. Known locally as Fearless Fred on account of not being scared of big flowers.
And, more local humour.
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This one’s my favourite (W.E. Humpit and U Burnett).
There was a tiny bit of a crash landing. As luck would have it, quite close to this rescue center. 🙂
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Well there you have it, you see. Not very big until you get right down to it. 🙂
There’s more magic at Alice in Wonderland. 😀
Bekonscot is the oldest model village in the world and if you would like to know more about Bekonscot⇐. It is worth checking the Admission Times and Prices. For 2015 it is much cheaper after 3:30 pm (closes 5:30 pm). If traveling by rail there is a signed foot path just outside the Beaconsfield station exit (cross the footbridge first, if coming from London – Waterloo).
And, there is also:-
The Elfin Oak, Babbacombe Model Village (Devon) and nearby Kents Caverns, Corfe Castle and more Model Villages. Enjoy and thanks for the visit.
Said Alice, at Wisley
The Alice in Wonderland event ends 31st Aug 2015, but in the meantime click on twice to expand, said Alice ~
If you look where Alice looks, then you’ll see what Alice sees. Cats with a cheesy grins, found nesting up in trees.
Said Alice, to a rabbit who was late.
And here’s a snail that’s made of flowers, and a mushroom for my plate,
A pillar with a hookah.
Off with his head
And a Red Queen in a spate,
. . . and his
Then strange tea with the Mad Hatter,
Wouldn’t that be great ?.
Said Alice, who burst into song ~
Wisley Gardens
Wisley Gardens is run by the Royal Horticultural Society and is certainly amongst their best and quite spectacular.
There is a Flower Show from 8th to 13th September 2015 – Website here. Travel here. Flowers here. Wisley Wonderland here, Glass House/Orchids/Pitchers here, Statues here and Fuchsias will be added. Enjoy :-
Flowers at Wisley Gardens
Wisely Gardens is run by the Royal Horticultural Society and I think the best I have seen. Please click here for the Gardens/Glasshouse/Orchids/Bonsai Trees/Statues.
St Paul’s Cathedral
For more than 1,400 years, a Cathedral dedicated to St Paul has stood at the highest point in the City of London. The present cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built during the period 1675 and 1710. More History ⇒.
Photography is not usually allowed except on a few days each year or with a permit. The few visitor date/times/charges for photography without a permit during 2017 are here ⇐. For permits and commercial photography/filming, please see here ⇒ . General Admission and charges are here ⇒.
I caught the last opportunity for 2015 and so, of course, went overboard. To view the astonishing detail of the decor, please click on the image and then again to expand.
The Nave
Beside the Dome and the Dome
The gallery at the first level is known as the Whispering Gallery at 30 meters above the cathedral floor. So called because, when it is quiet, a whisper on one side will travel around the wall and be heard on the other side.
Higher still is the Stone Gallery at 53 meters and the topmost is the Golden Gallery at 85 meters. If you can climb to the top, they give a you a badge. 😛 .
The Ceiling above the Quire
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The High Alter and the Apse
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There are many monuments and dedications at the cathedral. I chose this one because of the workmanship and for being a little known personage. It is of course Carolus Jacobus Blomfield.
Here is the famous exterior of the Dome.
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This is John Wesley, Father of Methodism. Another well made statue.
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The Crypt has many tombs, dedications and a cafe. Perhaps the most famous tomb being that of Viscount Horatio Nelson. These are some of the dedications.
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Lastly, the cathedral does have its contemporary side and has housed an exhibition of work by street artist Inkie. Below is one item retained and presently on view just inside the cathedral entrance.
The Secret of Vauxhall Park
Vauxhall Park, in SW London, is a small but pleasant area with a very nice little café and a secret.
On the way, there is a very aromatic field of lavender that hosts a number of visitors (please click here if you can spare a moment to help save the UK bees from insecticides) . The lavender was harvested in the past, distilled into oil and made available for purchase -see the Friends of Vauxhall Park.
And, at the eastern end, adjacent to the children’s play area, the only model village in London. Albeit small, it is quite charming.
Created by Edgar Wilson in 1949, the only other surviving by the same person being in Melbourne Australia. This one was restored in 2001 by local resident Mr Nobby Clerk.
Such places do give rise to imagination (my excuse for what follows).
They’re both called Mini. Would you Adam and Eve it.
Professor Pelican teaches his Ducks to Cluck class, attended by Vera, Chuck and Dave (who knows where they were first mentioned ?).
And, there is also:-
The Elfin Oak, Bekonscot Model Village and Railway (near London), Babbacombe Model Village (Devon) and nearby Kents Caverns, Corfe Castle and more Model Villages. Enjoy and thanks for the visit.
Osterley Park House
Osterley Park House was entirely redesigned by architect Robert Adam over a period of twenty years beginning in 1761 on behalf of the Childs family. Although the the house is not entirely full of artifacts, it is one of the most sumptuous that I have visited. The gardens can be found here and the flowers here. Admission times, prices and further information can be found here.
Unfortunately the upstairs rooms were closed during my visit, but here are the downstairs rooms. The lighting was little dull in places, so it has been raised a little.
Osterley Park Gardens
Ossterley Park Gardens are to the rear of the house and adjacent to two pleasant lakes with some wildfowl. Entry to the gardens is by ticket only. A post of the flora is here and the the sumptuous house interiors/sdmission/onfo here : -)
Osterley Park Flora
The gardens at Osterley Park House have a rich variety of blooms and the admission/info/house and gardens are available to view and photograph. The house can be found on Google and the nearest underground rail station is Osterley on the Piccadilly line. Enjoy ~
Geffrye Museum – Interiors
The Geoffrye Museum is very close to Hoxton station on the London Overground Line. There is a front and back garden area, which is worth seeing, and entrance to the museum is free. The interior has a long row of rooms which depict interior decor and furniture throughout the ages. There is also an exhibition area in the basement and one may join a tour of a small Alms House exhibit.
Here is a taste of the museum.
Geffrye Museum Gardens and Flowers
The Geffrye Museum Font Garden
15 pics. One can have a pleasant picnic in the front garden, stroll through the rose and herb garden to the rear and then return to the front and enter the museum free. The museum interiors are series of rooms depicting the changes of decor and furnishing over time .
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The Rear Herb and Rose Gardens
Together with many other colourful blooms.
Sutton House
Lenenfold Parlour
So called because of its rare linenfold design wood paneling.
19 pics. Sutton House is not very big but it is a real gem and is well worth a visit. It was built-in 1535 by Sir Ralph Sadleir (Principal Secretary of State to Henry VIII) and has a long history of occupation including merchants, sea captains, Huguenot silk-weavers, Victorian schoolmistresses and Edwardian clergy. In later years it was used by WWII Fire Wardens, the ASTMS Union and then a squat/music venue/community center known as the Blue Room. The staff are friendly and helpful and it is well managed which results in a sense of preserved rather than restored.
More history here ⇒, website (opening times/small entry fee) here ⇒ and essential travel guide here ⇐. Note: sometimes the website (2019) is misleading about opening times and how to book a visit, you can contact here ».
There is also a Georgian Parlour, tea room, small cafe. outdoor seating areas, used book shop, cellar and chapel (little bare though), small garden/play area and community room. The site hosts a number of events and family themed days (check the website above).
Do use the paper guide provided on entry, otherwise it is very easy to miss a room or one of the treasure chests.
Art Gallery
If you click on twice to expand, then you will see the names of the young artists. The room also has an audio-visual guide.
Little Chamber
Great Chamber
Sir Ralph Sadleir MP
Lady Sadleir and Sir Edwin Sadleir both by Mary Beale
Victorian Room
Tudor Kitchen
That’s my selfie.
Top Floor
This is what remains of the the Blue Room squat, which has it’s own history.
Courtyard Seating
Breakers Yard Garden and Sand Pit
Shop
I do love a duck.
Flowers at Kenwood Park
10 pics. Kenwood Gardens can be found here and Kenwood House interiors (with information and travel) here.
Flowers at Kenwood Gardens
Mostly Rhododendron in a great variety of colours and roses near the cafe
Kenwood is a very welcoming place and this flower even has dance steps for the bees :-).
Flowers at the Cafe Seating Area and Shop Wall
Kenwood House Gardens
This is the front of Kenwood House with entrance to the rear, gardens to the left and cafe/shop to the right. The interiors are here and flowers are here. Entrance is free to both house and gardens and non-commercial photographers are welcome inside.
The nearest underground rail station is Archway and the 210 bus can be taken from stand E to the next stop E (near Compton Ave) and then a short walk to Kenwood House.
This is one of the most pleasant and peaceful gardens and park-lands that I have visited. Most of the flowers are Rhododendron in a great variety of colours. There will be close ups in the next post.
Kenwood House Gardens
Just to the left of the Dairy (small white building) in the distance just beyond the gardens, is a statue by Henry Moore.
Henry Moore – Two Piece Reclining Figure No 5 . Myself, I might have called it “Dreams of a Jive Bunny”. 🙂
Back to the gardens.
Spot the Gorilla
This is a view to the south of Kenwood Park and beyond is Hampstead Heath. If you look closely, just to the right of center, one might see a huge green shaggy gorilla with three fingers in the water. 🙂 And, who’s he talking to ? 🙂
The cafe has a very pleasant seating area amongst an array of flowers, with more seating from where this photograph is taken, and a shop to the right. The staff are friendly and, although quite busy, a very calm and enjoyable atmosphere.
Here is the boss (of all he surveys). 🙂
Kenwood House – Interiors
Kenwood House is free to enter and photography is allowed. It houses a massive art collection bequeathed by Lord Iveagh (Vermeer, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Larkin and Boucher) and sits amongst an ornamental garden with parklands and is adjacent to Hampstead Heath. There is also a shop and the cafe, Gardens ( here ) and Flowers ( here ) are a delight .
It does get quite busy with tours and school trips. Nevertheless it has a calm ambiance with friendly staff and an occasional school party sitting on the floor quietly mesmerized by a story teller. You might wish to click on The Website.
The easiest route is to Archway underground station and then the 210 bus from stand E to the next stand E by Compton Rd.
The Rooms
The Ceilings
Foyer
Library
The Paintings
Rembrandt – self portrait with two circles
It seems that selfies are nothing new to the world.
Man Offering Grapes to a Girl – Francois Boucher
Lady Isabella Rich – Attr William Larkin
Diana Cecil – Countess of Oxford – attr William Larkin
The Cherry Gatherers – Francois Boucher
Dido Elizabeth Belle and Lady Elizabeth Murray by Johann Zoffany
Some Trinkets
Strawberry Hill House – Interiors
The interiors of Strawberry Hill House are so well refurbished, that it seems waiting for its first occupants. Whilst the house has few artifacts at present, the trust is raising funds to restore at least some of Horace Walpole’s massive collection. For pictures of the castle-like exterior, history and essential information for visitors please click here.
These pictures are not necessarily in the order they were taken, do not include all the rooms and it is essential to use the guide-book to ensure seeing everything.
It is worth magnifying some of these pictures, especially the stained glass. To do so please click on a picture and then again to magnify and then use your browser’s “back” key to return here.. Enjoy 🙂 .
Strawberry Hill House
Exteriors
10 pics – The house was created by Horace Walpole who was the youngest son of Robert Walpole (Britain’s first Prime Minister). Work began in 1749 and continued in stages over the following 27 years. It was recently discovered that the original colouring was white and would have looked quite remarkable in its day, as it does now. The house is in a Gothic style of the fairy-tale variety and has extraordinary interiors here.
The interiors have been restored to an original state which gives a quite surreal appearance, as if it is still waiting for its first occupant. It’s surreal, but very peaceful character, is aided by some recent artwork.
The house once contained a massive collection of artworks, which were unfortunately sold by a later owner. The collection was so vast that the sale lasted for 30 days. The trust is gradually acquiring more items for the interior but the restored decor, picture glass and paintings are still worth seeing.
The website is here and the Wikipedia history here. Do check the website for opening times and to book a ticket for the house (before 10:30 on the day of your visit). Tickets are half price on Mondays and Tuesdays. A guide-book is provided and essential if one is not to miss some of the rooms and the Chapel. I missed the Chapel but Google images are available here (there are many pics of the house mixed in),
St James’s Park
The Eastern End of St James’s Park
Hiya, welcome to St James’s Park. At this end of the long lake can be found a cafe, parkland, benches, deck chairs, flower beds, geese, ducks, coots and moorhens here. There are also some very friendly squirrels here and pelicans further down this page (feeding time at the cottage is 2:30 pm).
At the western end can be found Buckingham Place, the changing of the guard pageant, more waterfowl including swans and nearby Green Park with the Canada Memorial.
The nearest underground station is St James (although Westminster is almost as close to the eastern end of the park) and it is a pleasant walk beside the lake from end to end.
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The pelicans gather beside this cottage just before 2:30 pm for feeding.
“Perhaps a little pigeon al fresco whilst I am waiting”. – “Oy who nicked my piano ?”
The London Eye.
Buckingham Palace from the Central Bridge
Looking to the west.
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If you look carefully, you can see the Old Man of the Willow, sitting down with his hands on his knees.
Horse Guards from the Central Bridge
Looking to the east.
You cannot view the interiors but there is a small museum and one of these.
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.. and as always, one of these. Doesn’t it make you want to say “you poor ~ “.
At dusk the fountains light up and from the sound of all the honks and quacks there all having a party 😀 .
Canada Memorial
The Canada Memorial (London) was opened in 1994 and is dedicated to the Canadians who served in the two world wars. It can found at the bottom of Green Park very near to Buckingham Palace.
When I visited it was a very hot day in July and children were very happily using it as a water slide. Despite the “keep off” sign, nobody wanted to stop them and everybody was having a great day in the sunshine.
This little pigeon decided to join in and enjoy cool feet. A lot of wild life around London seem to have become so accustomed to a human presence that they can allow themselves to indulge in curiosity and even participation. The squirrels of St James Park being a great example. Here is one cool pigeon.
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The colours of the opening picture are so intriguing that I couldn’t help tweaking it a bit.
Freed From Time 