Category: Urbanicity

Images of architecture and urban fragments from around the world.

Happy Easter…

Walking around Ludlow before Easter you can’t help noticing all the sheep and fluffy chicks and eggs adorning the window displays in the town.

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The bookshop, sweetshop and even the coffee shop have a spring feeling

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Milk churn
Hen
Rabbit
Coffe shop
Chicks and flowers

The florist is a bit steamed up…

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Rabbits on the rampage
Hares in hiding
Ranunculas
Birds and eggs
Spring colours

Emporos always puts on a good display, no matter what the theme. It’s actually a GOOD thing that my grandchildren live so far away or I’d spend a fortune in this shop. I mean, can you resist that velvet rabbit?

Lambs a leaping…
A velvet rabbit
Chicks a cheaping…
Hares a hopping…

And spring flowers in tubs add colour to the charm of the town

…even artificial ones!

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This monthly challenge is hosted by Dawn from ‘The Day After’ who invites participants to post pictures of any windows that they find curious, inviting, photogenic, or in some way tell a story. Visit her blog to see more windows and/or to join in with the challenge.

Benthall Hall

Situated on a plateau above the gorge of the River Severn, this fine stone house has mullioned and transomed windows, a stunning interior with carved oak staircase and decorated plaster ceilings and oak panelling. National Trust

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Benthall Hall – front view
Tall Chimneys
Pentagonal Bay Windows
Front
Decorative Carvings

It is always a good idea to look up at windows, you never know what you might see. Like the carved figure heads and hands.

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The side view – from the beautiful terraced garden

And an interesting Dovecote with a window

There is also a little Restoration church

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Restoration Church which includes an apiary

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This monthly challenge is hosted by Dawn from ‘The Day After’ who invites participants to post pictures of any windows that  they find curious, inviting, photogenic, or in some way tell a story. Visit her blog to see more windows and/or to join in with the challenge.

Lingering Look at Architecture: Green

Dawn of “The Day After” runs a monthly architecture challenge as well as her windows. March is the month for Green.

Key West, Florida

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Hemingway’s House
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A ‘Green’ House
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Shutters Galore
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More Shutters
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Cool Verandah

The ‘classic’ Key West style of housing seems to be weather-board, shutters, balconies and fabulous wraparound verandahs open to the elements. There is a distinct tropical feel about them and I could picture myself sitting in one of those Adirondack chairs, sipping a mint julep or a margarita.

Anyone like to join me?

Black and White 5 Day Challenge: #2

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Shutters in Switzerland

I love photographing windows. I like architectural character, I love shutters especially those with peeling paint and I like reflections – here you can just about make out some ornate wrought-iron railings of the opposite balcony.

Pauline of Gypsy Life and Memories are made of this has invited me to join in with this challenge. If you don’t know Pauline (Pommepal) then you are missing a treat. Living in Australia Pauline is always on the move with her lovely Jack by her side.

There are only two rules for this challenge:

  1. On 5 consecutive days, create a post using either a past or recent photo in B&W.
  2. Each day invite another blog friend to join in the fun.

Today I would like to nominate Elizabeth Krall to join in. Of course this is only if you have the time and want to.

Elizabeth is an author, loves tall ship sailing, drinking cocktails, travel and is a great photographer. I think she’d be excellent with this challenge.

The Auckland Domain Wintergarden

The Wintergarden is found in Auckland, New Zealand and was built in commemoration of the Auckland Industrial Agricultural and Mining Exhibition of 1913-14

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It was designed in the early 1900s in the style of the famous English partnership of Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jeckyll – my favourite designers of the English County Garden style.

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The building was opened on the 12 October 1921 for the benefit and pleasure of the public.

The two barrel-shaped Victorian glasshouses face out onto an open courtyard with a pond and mosaic fountain. Marble statues were added in the 1920s and 1930s and pergolas around the courtyard are covered in showy climbers.

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One glasshouse is full of exotic flowers: gingers, orchids, palms, Heliconia and other rare plants. The other is for temperate climate plants such as the gorgeous blue delphiniums in the photos.

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As usual my attention was drawn not only to the flora, but also the architecture of these buildings and in particular, the windows. Although the glasshouses need a little attention (well so would you after 100 years) the curved ends and decorative leaded windows are still beautiful.

DSCF9658The complex is completed by New Zealand ferns growing in a sunken scoria quarry to the rear.

This monthly challenge is hosted by Dawn from ‘The Day After’ who invites participants to post pictures of any windows that  they find curious, inviting, photogenic, or in some way tell a story. Visit her blog to see more windows and/or to join in with the challenge.