Janet Roberts's Blog, page 7

Gibbs Building, Wellcome Trust - Euston Road - London

I spotted this building listed in the wonderful 'Open House London' catalogue, and thought it sounded rather interesting.

I must have gone passed this building loads of times, usually on the bus, but never really noticed it.  Now I was walking inside, and was just amazed.

This is the Headquarters of the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation dedicated to achieving improvements in health by supporting the brightest minds - which sounds like an excellent idea to me.

There was a very interesting exhibition showing the construction of  the building - clearly some undertaking.

There was also this striking photo of the building at night - I really must look out for it in future.

Then in one corner was a TV showing a film of the wonderful designer Thomas Heatherwick describing his concept for the installation.  Filling a 30 metre high vertical void must have been a real challenge, but he and his team decided on following the idea of 'Bleigiessen', a tradition in central Europe when melted lead is poured into water, which produces extra-ordinary shapes from which you can predict your future for the coming year.

Following on from this idea, Heatherwick and his team produced 150,000 specially processed glass spheres, suspended on about 1 million metres of stainless steel wire.  The sculpture glows with a constantly shifting rainbow of colours.

Watching the video was absolutely fascinating, and I couldn't wait to go and see the installation, but actually I was a bit disappointed as, from ground level, the wires rather obscured the marvellous glass spheres.  It was possible to go in the lift up to the 5th floor, but as I don't like heights, I stayed at the bottom.

The rest of the narrow atrium is really nice - in fact it must be a really lovely space to work in, and I was glad I'd visited.


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Lumen United Reformed Church - 88 Tavistock Place - London

I spotted this Church in the 2014 book for the wonderful Open House London weekend, but on checking on their web page it wasn't listed for this year.  However, when I rang to check that this was correct, the operator informed me that it was always open, and I just had to go and visit as it was quite wonderful!

I had a bit of a struggle to find it, but, boy was it worth it!  The church was originally established by a fund set up by the Highland Society of London in 1808 to provide for Gaelic-language worship in London.  It has moved since then, and the present building was completely remodelled in 2007/8.  There is a small congregation which brings together the traditions of the Presbyterian, Congregational and Church of Christ.

When I arrived a service was taking place, and the singing was just wonderful!  The words of the hymns were projected onto the back wall, but I had to ask what Eastern language it was - and was told by the very friendly girls in the hallway that they were from Taiwan!

I sat for quite a while in the wonderful conical  shell-like structure in the reception area.  This was disguised by Theis and Khan and is a wonderful 'quiet space' that reaches the full 11 metres to the top of the building to a single roof-light.  Obviously the light inside alters with the weather and the seasons, but it was so marvellous inside, where I could here the singing, and yet it was hard to realise that I was in the heart of London.  (This picture was taken off the Lumen web page as it was impossible to get far enough back to photograph it adequately!)

I was then taken on a tour of the building, and just loved this quiet garden space which provides a modern form of cloister, with an arcade round a courtyard planted with herbs and silver birch trees.  What a lovely area!

I was a little disappointed that the cafe was undergoing refurbishments, but then that will have an excuse to visit this lovely little church again!



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Beauvale Priory Tour - Nottinghamshire

I love this place, (see previous blog) , and often go for a meal in the excellent Gate House restaurant - the Monk's Platter is my favourite!

However, my last visit was rather special as the Priory was open under the excellent Heritage Open Days Weekend and there was to be a tour!  Now that I didn't want to miss, even though I was familiar with the tragic story connected to the place.

When it first started, I was a bit disappointed to find that our female monk intended to read from a book!  However, I soon got used to it, and realised that it was well written, and it meant that no matter which guide was taking the tour they would all be giving the same, accurate information. She was also very good, and hugely enthusiastic!

We started off just outside the Gate House, and I'm sorry that the wind affected the microphone on my little camera!


Then we were off to the main ruin of the priory, by which time I saw that our surprisingly small group of tourists were totally enthralled by the story! 


Of course, we then had to go into the ruin of the church, and hear of the terrible, tragic end for the leaders of this small band of gentle, silent monks.

The tour only took about half an hour, but I'm sure it made a lasting impression on everyone who attended, and I urge anyone who happens to be in the area when such an event is taking place to make sure not to miss such an unique and interesting event. ***If you would like to know more about me and my e-books just click here 

Audley St Elphin's Park - Darley Dale - Derbyshire

I drive into Derbyshire just about every week, and usually go via Darley Dale, so I am very familiar with this building.

The original house was built for a rich lead merchant names John Alsop in 1820, but when he emigrated to Australia in 1848 he sold Grove House, as it was then called, to the Reverend William Bathhurst. In 1863 Grove House was sold again, this time to William Roberts, who promptly demolished it, and built a new one at a cost of £35,000. He must have been pretty pleased with himself as he put his initials all over the house - this is at the bottom of the beautiful staircase!

 In 1889 this house went to auction and was sold for a mere £11,500 to a William Atkins who remodelled it and in 1891 The Darley Dale Hydropathic Institute was opened. In 1904 following an outbreak of diphtheria in the Warrington area, the clergy Daughters School moved to Darley Dale for 'the health of the girls'. They decided to take the name of the parish church in Warrington, and so St Elphin's School came into existence.

After 101 years, in 2005, the school suddenly closed, but within 3 months the site had been purchased by Audley and they began the huge task of transforming it into St Elphin's Park Retirement Village. The first residents moved in August 2008, with Lord Edward Manner officially opening the site on 13th September 2012.

The architecture of the main building is really striking, rising up from the reception area to a wooden ceiling high above.

 Outside there is a lovely crochet lawn, and I sat for a while looking towards the lovely buildings, although it was quite noisy from the nearby A6.

 Round the back was a Gym room and a swimming pool, although, not surprisingly these were hard to photograph due to the reflective glass.

One thing struck me above everything else - everyone was so friendly and nice. Several guests greeted me, and more than once they commented ''Isn't it lovely here?' a sentiment I certainly agreed with.

There is a lot of building work still going on as this ambitious Retirement Village grows, which already contains a restaurant, bar, bistro and club facilities.  The artwork in the main house, which was certainly mixed and had an accompanying descriptive sheet, were originals on loan from Derby Museum.

I was so pleased I had visited.  Now when I drive by I can think 'I've been it there - and it was wonderful!'
***
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Chatsworth Country Fair 2015 - Derbyshire

I really enjoyed this amazing Show last year (see previous blog) so was very keen to attend again this year.  There were two items from the on-line programme that I particularly wanted to see - Mary Berry giving a cookery demonstration, and the Ukrainian Cossacks.

I arrived early as I thought Mary Berry might be a bit popular.  Little did I know!  The large marque was absolutely packed, and you could forget trying to get a seat, even a considerable time before she was due to appear!  However, it was worth the wait as she was quite delightful.

Then it was time for a brisk walk over to the Grand Ring, where I was just in time to see Jump4Heroes skilfully landing into the middle of the arena, followed by The Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers, who are always so impressive.

However, it was the Cossacks I wanted to see.  According to the programme they are steeped in history and are known as the 'Heroes of Ukrainian History' for protecting their borders from Turkish, Tartar and Polish raids in the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1689 Ukrainian control passed to Russia who then eventually made peace with Turkey in 1744.  The Cossacks were no longer needed and Empress Catherine II dispersed them around Russia so they couldn't pose a threat to Russian law and order.

In 1991, Ukraine regained its independence and the Cossack tradition was revived.  The mounted Cossack display team was formed in 1990, and are true masters of speed and agility, somersaulting and spinning under their horses' bellies whilst spurring each other on with shouts and yelps.  They remain true to their forefathers in traditional dress and the men sport amazing haircuts with a ponytail on a bald head, which apparently signifies bravery and honour.  (They were incredibly hard to photograph - they were just going so fast!)

 
 

Then it was back to treat myself to a signed Mary Berry Cookbook, which involved a long wait in the queue, but at last I got it!
At the end of a long day it was time to go back to the car to sit and watch all the hot air balloons take off.  What a marvellous event it had been!
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'Father & Son' - Rob & Joel Wareing - Patchings

I have often seen Rob Wareing at the wonderful Patchings Art Centre Festival, and this year picked up a leaflet advertising a special show he and his son would be sharing there.  Now that was something I definitely had to see!

The show is upstairs above the restaurant - an attractive, well-lit area which really showed the paintings off at their best.


 I was pleasantly surprised how different Joel Wareing's style was to his father's, but still very skilled and attractive.  According to the accompanying leaflet he focuses on body language and the interaction of people within urban environments.  Paintings are made from sketches and photographs taken on location and created out of a desire to translate an atmosphere within the painted image.  Paint is used as a way to get closer to an actual experience of a place, a vehicle for transferring emotions that a photograph might not give you. A really interesting concept I thought.
I had a hard time deciding which of Rob's lovely portraits I liked the best!  This lovely, calm face of a friend he knows from his home in South Africa is so lovely.






But then again, isn't this lady beautiful, with her bright blue eyes.  I could really live with her on my wall!












I am very fortunate in having purchased a print of one of Rob's paintings, which hangs in my living room and gives me endless pleasure.

I deliberately chose to visit this most interesting exhibition when the artists were in attendance, but it you want to see it for yourself, it's only available until the 6th September. ****If you would like to know more about me and my writing please click here 

'Voices from The Inside" - Doddington Hall - Lincolnshire

I love Doddington Hall (see previous blog)  and it was too long since I'd last visited.

I was delighted to discover that there was a Quilt Exhibition, curated in partnership with Fine Cell Work, a charity that trains men and women in prison to do high-quality, paid needlepoint, as well as several pieces made by nuns, carers, invalids, soldiers and artists.  What a fine exhibition it turned out to be, and I've had difficulty selecting just a few to include in this blog.

One of my favourite was definitely 'The Planet Quilt' a textile wall hanging which was designed, painted and hand stitched by Simon in HMP Wandsworth, in the Fine Cell Work workshop and also in his cell, where much of the hand stitching was carried out.  He used the hanging as part of his City and Guild qualification Level 1, and it has absorbed much of his time and helped him cope with his sentence.  It was a particularly apt subject as the solar system has always been his great interest.

Another excellent and interesting quilt was called 'The Sleep Quilt'.  In the noisy, light-ridden prison environment, a good night's sleep is the stuff of dreams.  It was commissioned for an exhibition entitled 'Things we do in bed', held last year at Danson House in Kent and curated by the well-known author, Tracy Chevalier.  Over 60 men and 2 women from nine prisons contributed blocks which were assembled at HMP Wandsworth.  Most of the quilting was done by one man in his cell at HMP Brixton who, to ensure the quilt was completed on time, often stitched for ten hours a day.

With this in mind, 'Cell Quilt' was very interesting.  To help customers have a better understanding of the reality of prison life and the provenance of their products, one of Fine Cell Work volunteer tutors at HMP Bullington, suggested to her group that a life sized quilt should be made, giving a bird's eye view of life behind bars.  Permission was granted to take measurements of a two man cell and its regulation and personal contents.  I spent ages looking at this fascinating quilt.

However, in this amazing exhibition there were other pieces other than from prisons.  This 'Small Uniform Coverlet' was made between 1860 and 1870 and was made from black, red and white uniform scraps with a red wool fringe.  Soldiers were encouraged to take up sewing as a valid alternative to the less salubrious pursuits of drinking and gambling; needlework was also used as a form of therapy for those injured in conflict and recuperating in hospital.  The Great Exhibition of 1851 included more than thirty examples submitted by military personnel.

Another quilt I also hadn't expected was a very striking, colourful and beautifully executed one by the artist Grayson Perry and was called 'Right to Life'.  It was only the second quilt he had ever made, which I thought quite remarkable.

I loved this beautiful, interesting and very varied exhibition and urge anyone remotely in the area to go!  But hurry, the exhibition ends on the 31st August 2015

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Dovedale Sheepdog Trials 2015 - Ilam - Derbyshire

How I love this Sheepdog Trial Season!  It's so short you really have to grab every opportunity to attend a show.

Dovedale is a small, intimate trial set in the most beautiful countryside, quite different from the one near Macclesfield, where I went a couple of weeks ago - see previous blog)

Everything about the trial replicates the work a shepherd is required to carry out with sheep, and you can see from the videos how vast the field is where the dog has to work.  Firstly the sheep, which are let out of a trailer at the top end of the field, have to be gathered by the dog.  Then they have to transverse the field in a set pattern, going through a series of gates, and points are lost if they don't remain bunched together, travelling in as near a straight line as possible, and moving smoothly and steadily.

They then go into a large ring marked out with sawdust, and here the shepherd has to divide the flock, something that must be so difficult as it goes completely against a sheep's strong herding instinct.

In this particular class two dogs are being used together with 10 sheep, which must be incredibly difficult, as at least four commands are used for each dog, so working a pair must take so much concentration!

In this video competitor B. Helliwell from Lancaster is working two dogs, Craig and Meg.  The flock has been successfully split, and now 5 of the sheep have to be put into an ungated pen.

The next competitor, who actually won this Open Doubles, which had a time limit of 15 minutes, was the very experienced Katie Cropper from Penrith, running Zac and Tsavo

One of her dogs must now remain guarding the sheep, and just watch as its partner works the remaining 5 sheep, something they find quite hard to do!  These 5 must be put into a gated pen

Towards the end of the afternoon the rain started to pour down, but we were fortunate and were able to move the car to right up against the fence, so we just watched through the windscreen wipers!
As long as I'm at a Sheep Dog Trial I'm perfectly happy!***
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'Sculpture in the Sanctuary' - Reg Taylor's Garden Centre - Southwell - Nottinghamshire

I was so pleased that this lovely Garden Centre were holding another 'Sculpture in the Sanctuary' exhibition, as I just love it!  (See previous blog)  

The weather when I went to visit was just perfect - warm and sunny, and in addition to the dozens of sculptures, there is always the accompanying sound of cockerels crowing, for this is lovely swan sanctuary, full of lakes and wildfowl

There was such a lot of different mediums, and so many sculptures it's hard to pick out just a few, but one of my favourites had to 'Proud' made of Sweet Chestnut, and created by Lorraine Botterill.  The price was £500 - and I thought it would look just lovely in my garden!

One thing that staggered me was the cost of a lot of the work, and it was easy to check this as every one who paid the £5 entry fee was given a brochure.  Whilst I can fully appreciate that this full-sized horse involved a huge amount of very skilled work, £18,000 did seem quite breathtaking.  It was sub-titled 'Dexter' and was made of Welsh Oak, and according to the brochure the finish was created using a wood preserver that reacts with the tannins in the oak and turns it blue.  A flap sander was used to soften the texture and it had been left in the rain to run.  This resulted in it looking quite aged, almost bronze in places, and it had been created using chainsaws and sanding tools.  (I think the base was an extra £3,600 and was made from a single piece cut from a huge fork)

Something more in my price-range were these garden tool tops, which were good fun.  Created by Gavin Darby they were £50 each and several of them had been sold.

One thing I love about this exhibition is the way every piece is so carefully placed, so that it's in just the right location to display it at its best.  Consequently the gorgeous stainless steel 'Drift of Swans' from xceptional designs in Lincolnshire looked fantastic.  They were obviously tethered, but as the wind blew so they gently rotated, and looked fantastic.  Perhaps Chatsworth could buy them for the long canal as they were the only ones I could think of with the right space, and able to pay £4,500.

 My absolute favourite had to be 'Art & Stone' by Joel Walker.  Created out of bronze, it represented a pair of swallows, and I thought were just lovely, and a manageable size for my small garden.  However, at £1,984 rather out of my price range.

I really enjoyed this lovely exhibition, and although I was there most of the morning, still want to return as I felt I might have missed something, and anyway there was too much to take in at one viewing.

A really lovely exhibition and well worth a visit. ***
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English National Sheep Dog Trials 2015 - Macclesfield, Cheshire

I just love sheep dog trials!  Every year I go to Macclesfield in Cheshire, where the trials are held at Sutton Hall Farm at the beginning of August.  However, these had been relatively small, local events. Now this year they were hosts to the English National Sheep Dog Trials - and I certainly wasn't going to miss that!

There was a new entrance, and plenty of parking, and at the bottom of the field wooden stands and plenty of chairs, which is always appreciated!  In addition there were a lot of trade stands, and a marquee with sheep-orientated stalls!  I loved this one, and the children were being encouraged to have a go at spinning!

Of course the competition was marvellous, and the weather just perfect, and I sat there for hours totally engrossed.

This was such a wonderful event I had already decided that I would attend for two days, and certainly this was a new experience as by the last day a Standard had been set, and once a competitor had racked up too many fault points to achieve this goal, the very comprehensive commentator would say 'The Standard has been passed, please leave the field' which seemed really tough when the handler had travelled from the far reaches of England to attend.

At the end of the first day it was off to my Bed and Breakfast, which certainly didn't disappoint.  For more about my stay at Cotesfield Farm just see my previous blog.

Now I'm just impatient to do it all again - next year seems such a long time to wait!!


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