I feel I must comment following my last Blog about Drummer Hodge. A Military Drummer these days does not need to go to South Africa to be slaughtered. We see the full horror now but in 1879 it was unseen.
But there has been art to enjoy. The wonderful lecture last Friday in the Whitworth by Guy Peploe, grandson of S. J. Peploe, everyone who came said how much they enjoyed it. I got a message later from Shirley to say that Guy had enjoyed his day in Manchester also and is looking forward to welcoming us to The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh. Afterwards Adele, Gus & I went to an exhibition of contemporary design crafts at Cube gallery in Portland St, some wonderful furniture to be bought. We finished up at Manchester Art Gallery to see ‘Radical Figures: Post-war British Figurative Paintings’, I hugely recommend this exhibition from their own collection it is full of familiar and much loved ‘old friends’. We also peered and smiled our way round Raqib Shaw’s glittering creations.
Warm up act, Performance Art?
Report from the Home Front. Our roof is mended and the ‘State Drawing Room’ decorated by our patient decorator Sam. There has been great sadness at the loss of a much loved wallpaper in favour of fashionable ‘plain neutrals’. There was total disbelief when I announced my final touch – GOLD LEAF. Well the Devonshires have set such a high standard at Chatsworth one simply must keep up! I can’t wait to tell Gywnneth that Shaun the gilder from Liverpool worked on the restoration of St George’s Hall. Cost for 16 roundels £150, why wouldn’t you!! We have rehung ‘the art’ and the restoration of the furniture continues with cotton buds, toothpicks and elbow grease.
Finishing on another sad note, our love to Anne, on the death of her mother just after she left the gallery last Tuesday.
Another witty account of a few days in the life of…..
Sad news about Anne’s mum though, but A was a devoted daughter.
Gold leaf….bring on the bling, but it sounds quite discreet really!
Everyone seems agreed on the Peploe talk. What a buzz in the gallery & the Whitworth can only get better now that the building expansion is underway.
This is my second attempt at replying to your comment Adele! If sent from your NEW MacBook TOP marks both comment and rating arrived by email
Agree re Peploe talk and super slides. I want all the paintings!
Went to very interesting gallery the other day – Ffiny Parc – just the other side of Llanrwst. Changing exhibitions of contemporary artists and lovely cafe and surroundings. Not large enough for big groups.
Also condolences to Anne but sadly inevitable so better sooner than later.
Thanks so much. I am feeling sad but it means a lot to know that people care and understand.
Yes, I too send condolences to Anne- sad but better not drawn out-my mum was ill for 8 yrs but Dad died at his desk and I long ago decided which is preferable for all concerned. Trouble is there is no choice!
I too loved the Crafts show at Cube ( Centre for the Built Environment) and that’s a lumpy name if ever there was one. Some lovely stuff there ; I got my sister in law a snuggly/cuddly cushion for her birthday which seemed to go down well. I resisted the temptation to buy us things too- a woman with a clip board informed me that they bought the mailing list from Artizana in Prestbury when it closed., It took me hours to get warm after we took her out to lunch on Thursday in Bolington/Kerridge,nr Macclesfield. Hail stones and driving rain so home to the radiator and a vest! Since then its been weeding and more weeding. Nothing very cultural I am afraid.
Looking forward to seeing Vivienne this evening before she jets off to see her son in his new abode in Southern Spain.