The Royal Pavilion, inextricably linked to Brighton, is the work of John Nash and is a fascinating building of oriental fantasy:
It has provoked controversy, inspired fervent adulation and, throughout its colourful history, become one of the most instantly identifiable architectural images in the world.
It takes its unique character from the man for whom it was built, George IV, and its magnificent interior is a reflection of his personality and Regency reign. It was conceived as a monument to style, finesse, technological excellence and above all pleasure. It remains unequalled in its colossal ambition and glorious sense of joie de vivre.
Tags: Architecture, Architecture 100, Brighton, Royal Pavilion
Creation is only the projection into form of that which already exists.
Bhagavad Gita
Tags: Attingham Park, Cherie's Place Thought, Flowers, National Trust
I invite you to join me at Vision & Verb where I share my ‘musical memories‘ with you.
Tags: Education, Life, Memories, Music, School, Vision & Verb
When I woke up the sun was shining and calling me to get out and about with my camera. And who am I go argue with that 
I chose to visit Attingham Park, which I am sure most of you know is one of my favourite places. I arrived just in time for lunch, I chose I tuna sandwich which was delicious. I bet my choice surprised you
After lunch I made my way to the walled garden. I enjoy watching it progress through the years and the seasons. Whilst I was enjoying exploring the changes and reading what was planned next, my enjoyment was spoiled by a someone talking at the top of their voice on a mobile phone!! The irony is that he had come out of the children’s playground because it was too loud for him…
When I left the walled garden I went on my favourite walk ‘the mile walk’. Along the way I sat on a bench to remove my coat, cool down and change my camera lens. Whilst I was cooling down, a lady asked if I minded if she sat on the bench next to me. Of course I didn’t and I moved up so that both she and her husband could sit down. We got chatting as you do. The conversation got onto the National Trust and how they came to be members and then onto the places they had visited that I had visited and enjoyed. Cragside had captured their imagination…
…One of my favourite places too. They mentioned that they had stayed just south of Berwick when they visited and that they were going to go back sometime this year. I talked about my visits to that area and they wanted to know the best season to visit…
Eventually we moved off on our respective ways.
I enjoyed my walk around the parkland for more reasons than one and just before I left I visited the second hand bookshop. I don’t usually find anything of interest to me, but on this occasion I did… Something related to a book I am currently reading. I was dissatisfied with the photos in the book and wished I could see them more clearly. The book I found has all the photos more clearly. The book is also annotated with notes and clippings from the previous reader…
…synchronicity.
Tags: Attingham Park, Flowers, Life, Macro Lens, National Trust, synchronicity
Spicy:
1. Having the flavor, aroma, or quality of spice.
2. Piquant; zesty: a spicy tomato sauce.
3. Producing or abounding in spices.
4. High-spirited; lively.
5. Slightly scandalous; risqué: a spicy Hollywood romance.
Definition 4: High-spirited; lively.
Whilst trying to enjoy a little bit of calm in amongst the hustle and bustle of the week this seagull was a little too lively for me!
It was lunch time so before looking round the garden I nipped to the nearest baker and bought a blueberry muffin, which looked a lot more appetising than the rather gooey looking sandwiches. I then made my way back to the garden and sat on a bench to eat it The bag the muffin had been in made a bid for freedom and whilst I was trying to rescue it a small piece of blueberry muffin dropped on the floor next to my feet.
A few minutes later I was assailed by a rather large seagull who was weighing up the options of doing a duck and dive at the crumb. I had visions of my feet being skewered by his beak and he refused to be shooed away!
For more of this weeks PhotoHunt pictures check out Whistlestop PhotoHunt.
Tags: Brighton, Conference, PhotoHunt, Royal Pavilion Garden, Seagull
Coughton Court stands in 25 acres of grounds containing some of the most beautiful gardens in the country:
The name Coughton (pronounced “Coat-un”) suggests a settlement or farm known for the hunting of woodcock or game birds. It is believed that there was a medieval house on the site when John de Throckmorton arrived in 1409 to marry into the de Spiney family. Since that time, Coughton Court has been home to the Throckmortons, one of the UK’s oldest Catholic families.
Through its rich and varied history, the house has witnessed some of the most defining moments in British history – from the court of Henry VIII to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Coughton Court still has many of its original features including its flamboyant sixteenth-century gate tower. It is one of the last remaining Roman Catholic houses in the country to retain its historic treasures: it houses one of the very best collections of portraits and memorabilia of one family from the early Tudor times. Alongside family items on display, there are pieces such as the chemise reputedly worn by Mary Queen of Scots when she was executed and a bishop’s Cope, with intricate needlework, believed to have been worked upon by Catherine of Aragon.
Tags: Architecture, Architecture 100, Coughton Court, National Trust
