Quite rightly the media have been generous in ladling out big helpings of praise for the Queen this week. An Italian friend and reader here expressed surprise that I had not added a dollop. The only reason was that – until now – I could not think of anything to add.
Category: Art
A Spy in the Family
In the 1980s I was introduced to Patrick O’Brian’s novels about Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin (it’s curious that the series does not have a title). Like so many others, I became hooked on the detailed descriptions of life on board a Royal Navy ship in the early years of the 19th century. The depth… Continue reading A Spy in the Family
Hunting
From Art – Zanzibar
In 1992 this picture won the BP Portrait Award, an annual prize that is still given at the National Portrait Gallery. It is by Lucy Willis who, at the time, was teaching Art to prisoners in Shepton Mallet jail and it depicts one of her classes. She looks through the other end of the telescope… Continue reading From Art – Zanzibar
Have You Read…..?
I don’t know which is the most trouble, having the hall and stairs painted or having new bookcases in the study. Hanging pictures and putting back books take ages but in both cases it’s an opportunity to re-arrange. More than a year ago, putting books back in the study, I came across a paperback that… Continue reading Have You Read…..?