More paintings, Poldark scything...and other things

 While we were at The Usher Gallery, looking at the BP portraits exhibition, we also had a wander round some of the rooms, and this watercolour, painted in 1828, was one which I was very pleased to see.  It is by Joseph Mallord William Turner and is of Stamford, Lincolnshire, which was my home for a good few years.  The church which can be seen is St Martin's, which is where I was a chorister for fourteen years and also where Chris and I were married.  It was lovely to see the original watercolour, rather than a print.

This painting caught my eye with the impressionist background of the cornfield.  It is called 'The Mowers' and is by George Clausen.  It was painted in oils in 1891.  I couldn't help thinking of Mr Turner as Poldark; even though I didn't watch the series, I couldn't help but hear about that scything scene.  

(photo from Radio Times - for all you Poldark lovers)

I also read about some historical inaccuracies in both Poldark and Victoria.  Apparently, anyone scything would never remove their shirt - it just was not done.  As you can see in the painting, all men are fully clothed! 

Out on the landing, we spotted this chest which had gold painted decoration (we think) of rather wonderful people, beasts and foliage.  I especially liked the border. There were no details, so the maker will have to remain a mystery.

This light caught our attention too - well, you couldn't fail to see it, as it was quite large.  It is made of lots of plastic items and we thought how clever it was to make something ubiquitous into something rather beautiful.  However, when we read the information, it became something more thought provoking as all the pieces of plastic were picked up along the British coastline.  That is not a nice thought, is it?  Unfortunately, I didn't note the artist's name, so there's another reason to go back.

A visit to Stamford, Lincolnshire

We spent a lovely day last Saturday, visiting Stamford.  My friend from Canada, Maria, was in the UK visiting her family and we arranged to meet up and go to Stamford.  I was a bit concerned as there was a snow shower first thing, but luckily, nothing for the rest of the day.  I used to live in Stamford and went to school there and got married in St Martin's Church there too, but hadn't been back for at least ten years and was interested to see if there had been many changes.  It is a beautiful town in the south of Lincolnshire, with a high percentage of Georgian buildings.  It is so photogenic that it has been used in various TV productions, including Middlemarch and Pride and Prejudice.  Above are some of the houses in St George's Square, with the Assembly Rooms on the right.

 Here are more Georgian houses in St Mary's Street.

This used to be The Stamford Hotel but is now a rather pretty shopping area. Stamford had changed a lot - there had been a lot of new houses built, albeit in stone, so blending in (to a certain extent) with the more ancient buildings.  The shops had changed too and there was a plethora of boutiques.

We found a nice interiors shop next to a textile shop and just before reaching the shops, Chris said 'Look at the little observatory up there!'  I looked up and indeed, there it was. (He is extremely observant, looking up as well as where he's going and often points things out which I would totally miss otherwise.)

 Just up there - I expect there is a lovely view over the town from there.  (The birds very helpfully made some rather nice shapes to add to the interest).  (Speaking of birds, there were quite a few starlings perched on our lilac tree this morning - it could have been a little disturbing, as they did seem to be watching, but I think they were checking out the bird table, rather than devising any Du Maurier/Hitchcock-inspired attacks - I hope so, anyway!)

Right, back to Stamford.  This is St Paul's Street, with more lovely buildings. There was a little bookshop which we went in and a florist's shop next door. I love that evocative smell of soil, earth and flowers in a florist's.

A view looking up the High Street.  I had egg and chips in a little cafe (the others had an all day breakfast)...I don't think you can beat egg and chips, especially on a cold day...and we visited most, if not all, of the charity shops in the High Street, buying a few bits and pieces.  It was a lovely day which we all enjoyed and was lovely to be reacquainted with Stamford.