Work tray and plans

 I really enjoyed the end of the Ashes Test yesterday, exciting and grippingly engaging. As I listened l worked on these -

These arrived in my absence as part of an eBay lot. I was very taken with there Foundry friends. I am not entirely sure what to do with them but l couldn’t resist their charm. All suggestions welcome. The main reason for buying the lot was to get enough figures to make three elements of Franc Archers for my French Ordonnance dbm army. Here they are below beside three elements of partisan men I cobbled together before going on holiday, currently undergoing the process of acquiring their livery, sorry being painted. These will take me nicely over the 400AP threshold.

In other news…

This was my holiday reading-

There was a reason for looking out this Christmas present….

Just as Covid began I turned sixty and booked a holiday to see the big Van Eyck exhibition that year in Ghent. The holiday had to be cancelled. I always meant to go back and have continued to find Early Netherlandish Paintings and culture fascinating. I have been a longtime Burgundian fan and find that period in history so engaging . So finally l have taken the plunge and booked a few days in Bruges, mainly to see the art and buildings. Any handy hints from those who have visited before most welcome indeed

Hello old friend

 Saw some old friends in the exhibition below-

We counted ourselves to be fortunate to be in Falmouth for this exhibition.

I had a exhibition poster featuring this work for many years and a large art print of the one below up in my  home for many , many years.

Good to see paintings etc l knew and some l didn’t. It was a fascinating exhibition and I was pleased to see  costumes had been made for folk of all ages to try on and a list of activities across the summer.

On Saturday evening we went here for excellent pizzas and a wide range of beers-

The wood fired pizzas were excellent as was the range of beers available.

St Mawes

 Took the ferry to St Mawes. The weather was kind to us but the journey was a tad windy at times.

Back at Falmouth we went here-https://www.thecornishkitchen.com/shop/bakery

where I had a delicious Lamb and Mint pasty. Then off to the art gallery…

National Maritime Museum Falmouth

 Yesterday morning some of us went to this beautifully designed museum whilst others walked along the costal path a bit. Weather ok , it could have been so much worse. Some museum photos-

You can go to the basement of the building a look below the sea. The window also shows the rise and fall of the tides not to mention a chance to come up close to barnacles.

There was an interesting exhibition of the history of tattoos. I was most taken by this German linguist who was the Secretary to the Danish embassy in London. He is painted proudly displaying the tattoo he got on pilgrimage in 1699.

The museum uses the internal space effectively by hanging boats from the ceiling and having ramps and galleries to allow you to see them closely.

There was a beautifully staged exhibition on Pirates where information and aesthetics went side by side, both given their due importance.

I was so pleased to see these original hand coloured , held together by paper fasteners puppets produced for simple animation. Below was part of an extremely interesting film about John Ryan, his art and his techniques.

Below a painting of a rather familiar pirate.

A most enjoyable visit. You buy your ticket and get unlimited access for a year. Recommended.

Penzance

 In Penzance yesterday. Weather better than the previous day. Here are some pictures-

An interesting map on the wall at Truro railway station.

A lovely sailing ship in the dry dock at Penzance.

Art Deco near the Lido.

Morrab independent library founded in 1818

Two faces of Art Deco- the Ritz cinema above having seen far better days and the glorious Lido below.

Sundial on the wall of a church.

Signage from Penzance town centre.

A fascinating building in Egyptian style .

A jolly famous five advertising campaign from GWR

The day was made even better by briefly catching up unexpectedly with a friend in Penzance and ending the day back in Falmouth with a fellow blogger for tea. Great to see both of them. 

Cornwall

 Arrived yesterday, weather rainy but glad to be here.

A visitor

 I have a number of low pots in the garden specifically for growing Alpines in. Recently l noticed that someone or something had been digging up the plants ( low growing ground cover) in one pot. I was surprised, intrigued and a little annoyed. Yesterday found out who had been at work-

Still not sure why this pot, I certainly have not been burying nuts in it. The others are untouched. Any suggestions?

P.s managed to make up another twelve figures for my French army from an overlooked sprue and bits from other ones. They are armed with bills, halberds or spears. That takes me to a respectable 400 AP. 

Yesterday also saw me trying to clear up after the tree felling. I was using my hedge knife to cut up the branches. I reflected on the fact it was rather bill like and was glad not to have been on the receiving end of such a weapon or have had to use it in battle. Lethal !