photography – Page 106

Lavenham Guildhall

The Guildhall of Corpus Christi (NT) Market Place

Set in the picturesque Market Place is the Guildhall of Corpus Christi, built in 1529 by a wealthy religious guild, this building is one of the loveliest timber-framed buildings in the country. Inside you can learn all about the people, industries and events that have shaped this village throughout time.

The exhibitions have been cleverly created using the eyes and voices of those who worked, lived and were imprisoned here. Their stories will surprise and shock you. Continue reading Lavenham Guildhall

Love Lavenham

Our trip up the eastern side of the country began in earnest after the wedding in Colchester – next stop being close to Norwich where we intended to visit the cathedral. In fact most of this trip north was planned on seeing cultural and historical sites that we have previously not been to. Since the driving distances between some of the destinations were quite short I devised a route that took us to some hopefully interesting spots along the way. First stop on this glorious September day was Lavenham, a pretty village in Suffolk, England. It is noted for its 15th century church, half-timbered medieval cottages, Guildhall and circular walk.

Continue reading Love Lavenham

Thursday’s Special: Sweet Vi

In Norwich’s fine cathedral is a sculpture which really caught my attention. Somewhat out of sight in a corner of the north transept it is easily missed. But there is something so profoundly sweet about the face of this young woman which caused me to spend an inordinate time photographing her from all angles.

In Caister Churchyard was laid to rest by Bertram Bishop of Norwich
All that could die of Violet the lovely and beloved only child of Penry and Evelyn Vaughan Morgan
Who on February 22 1919 at the age of twenty years passed this life to the life eternal.

No voice shall break the glory of the stillness,
Or touch the joy that our two soul’s fulfil,
And we shall see the splendour of dawn on the hills
(V.V.M )( Violet Vaughan Morgan)

I knew a maid; a young enthusiast
Birds in the bower, and lambs in the green field,
Could they have known her, would have loved; methought
Her very presence such a sweetness breathed,
That flowers, and trees, and even the silent hills,
And everything she looked on, should have had
An intimation how she bore herself
Towards them and to all creatures. God delights
In such a being; for, her common thoughts
Are piety, her life is gratitude.

~ from Wordsworth’s The Prelude, Book Twelve

Monument to Violet Vaughan Morgan †1919. Marble. Commissioned by her parents Penry and Evelyn Vaughan Morgan and signed Derwent Wood R.A. 1921. Intended for Holy Trinity, Caister, but accepted by the Dean and Chapter, on 28 July 1921.

Paula’s (Lost in Translation) challenge this week is Calm

Walking in an artist’s footsteps

Whilst in Essex and with time to spare between checking out of one place and checking in to another, we decided to visit the quintessential English Dedham Valley on the borders of Essex and Suffolk where Constable drew inspiration for some of his paintings, notably “The Hay Wain“.

“The sound of water escaping from Mill dams …, willows, old rotten banks, slimy posts and brickwork. I love such things … as long as I do paint I shall never cease to paint such places.”

~ John Constable

The scene is rural England at its most romantic and although the spot which inspired him has altered slightly you can find the easily recognisable view at Flatford. The area is charming; narrow lanes lead to hamlets and meadows and there are plenty of riverside walks along the River Stour which meanders through this enchanting valley. Dedham, East Bergholt and Flatford is affectionatley known as ‘Constable Country’ and you can see examples of his work and information about the man at the National Trust exhibition centre located at Flatford.

Continue reading Walking in an artist’s footsteps

In the dark

Ailsa over at Where’s My Backpack has given me the perfect opportunity to post a few night shots from my recent Barcelona trip. As someone who now lives in the countryside, where the only light is that from the moon, it opened up new photographic challenges.