Monday 19 February 2018

Heath, Ghosts, Grafffiti and a Mysterious Ad.

I need to start posting more than once a month :) but anyway glad to say that the bug has finally left and I'm back to normal energy levels. And Spring is on the way. This and the coming 2 months are my favourite time of year, and I'm so delighted to have crocuses and a few early daffodils showing.  Here are some crocuses lit by the sun.

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I'm trying hard to get fitter again, having sat around like a slug for 6 weeks. Our older daughter is a tai chi fan and has made a short video for us of a daily routine. It keeps some flexibility but more importantly is a daily focus on how my body is moving, and reminds me to exercise it more. 

T has also been ill with the same bug and he's only just getting better, but we've taken some walks on Hampstead Heath. This is still wintry but, as ever, there is always something to see, even if only shadows and reflections.  


                            In the sunshine, the lakes shone, and bare tree branches glittered.  




One morning our walk took us across the viaduct quite early in the day. (The viaduct is a whole story by itself but let me just say it was built about 1890 and stands alone in the woods.) The low sun cast the carvings into bold relief.  I had never noticed them before, and liked the variety of the carvings. This one I thought very elegant. 


I also wondered who worked so hard and for so long to carve "STONED HERE ON DAY"?  What they were trying to say isn't quite clear ....but perhaps that's to be expected.


Some of this stone graffiti had the air of primitive carvings. What do you think this might be?


About ten minutes walk from the viaduct is Kenwood House,  the Heath's big mansion.  If you click the link you might recognise it from many movies, most recently, I think, Belle.  I am a big fan of English Heritage which keeps the house and its treasures open all year, free of charge, complete with its interesting art collection, grand interiors and other treasures.  I liked this gilded lion lurking on the side of an 18th century table


And this detail from an early JMW Turner painting shows what his work was like when he was not being quite so abstract. I love it, and it makes me wish I could have known the seaside when these old boats were a common sight.  


A days ago T and I got the tube to a Southwark pub and attended to an amusing and interesting talk at the Southeast London Folklore Society by the artist and ghost-hunter Sarah Sparkes. She was talking about the magical library and extraordinary life of Harry Price, ghosthunter. Here's a photo I took of one of her slides projected on the screen. I think Harry looks quite the lad.  



  The library is held at Senate House, of University of Central London, which dates only from the 1930s but is said to be riddled with ghosts, including several haunted elevators.   Not sure I would take that too seriously. 

Sarah also touched on Borley Rectory, Essex, a large old house which Harry Price once owned. It was for many years famous as the Most Haunted House in England.  In fact, my parents had a book about when I was a kid and I have to say that even at the age of 8, I was not convinced by Borley Rectory! But Harry Price's life story is a great, sometimes laugh-out-loud tale of a humble-born magician and born entertainer, who was determined to be remembered one way or another. 

I also did a clear-out, and found this little book dating from 1852. I'm not that interested in Paris's Principal Monuments (which at that time, of course, did not include the Eiffel Tower) but the book was only 50p at a car boot sale, and although small, the engravings are beautiful when looked at through a magnifying glass.  But what is this building on the cover? Does anyone recognise it? 


T felt recovered enough at the weekend to take a walk with me over to Highgate, where we spotted this interesting advert stuck on a community notice board. It really ought to be the beginning of a novel or a movie, don't you think?  How do you think it will pan out?



By the way, since this is a real person's real advert (even though they are advertising on a public message board) I've blocked out some of the phone number.

So that's been me - and I wish you a very good week! 

64 comments:

  1. glad to hear you're feeling better..take care,from experience we can say that the after effects hang on a long time.
    Hampstead Heath sounds a marvellous walking place..a real lung for London

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    1. It still shows what it used to be - farmland and parkland. And it's big enough to get lost in

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  2. What an interesting advert, it would make a good movie. Glad you're feeling better, these things do hang on.

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  3. That sounds like a “Craig’s List ad. To that I say, “ Be afraid, be very afraid.” My trust in people has been shaken by 24 hour news and my ending to this story could be dark and it is better not to go there. However, let’s hope that the young man is an upstanding guy who will find upstanding people who will benefit by his company.

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    1. Yes, it's always difficult to know what to make of these ads. I doubt there is much cheap accommodation in the area so I doubt there will be many replies....

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  4. Glad to hear that you and yours are feeling better. I wonder if you and Steve Reed ever cross paths on the Heath.
    http://shadowsteve.blogspot.com/

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    1. We might do! looks from his posts as if he doesn't live too far from me. He's seeing the same snow as me!!

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  5. The lion is wonderful. So meticulously done.

    I think most tales of hauntings should be taken with a pinch of salt. They're usually an attempt to boost the tourist trade!

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    1. There is so much wonderful craftsmanship in the house although it's not the original furniture I believe. Lord Iveagh was so rich he bought the house mainly for his collection of paintings. And very generously left it to the public after his death.

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  6. As always your words are interesting. Your crocus photo is beautiful. Your observations spot on. Now you just need to write the novel.

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    1. Somehow I feel that if it became a novel it might end badly! I think I would prefer to make it a sideline in another story, where a new age poet flits in and out of the scene. In real life it is probably someone who wants to live in a nice bit of London for cheap and will do gardening in exchange :)

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  7. I’m glad you’re both feeling better at last - and can get out and about to explore these lovely corners of London.

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  8. Glad to know you are better, and T following suit! A lovely post with a lot of information for further reading.
    I'd not heard of Harry Price before, but you are right - he was dashing!
    Real life always takes the price when it comes to quirky and strange things, doesn't it, like the advert that, as you say, could be the beginning of a novel or film.

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    1. Harry Price was obviously a real character, not sure I would have liked to have been too closely involved. He had a long suffering wife, apparently, and did stick with her. He is said to have written several autobiographies, none of them particularly true.

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  9. You had me at your title, I always enjoy reading your posts, you always pack in so much and it's all interesting. I need to blog more too, life does get busy, but catching links like the 1930's Senate House building so cool to read about. All your photos are great as always. Take care and enjoy taking some time off!

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    1. Thank you Karen. And I always find titles a problem so I am glad this hit the spot.

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  10. I'm glad you've recovered from the Big Bad Bug! The flu has been rampant over here on the other side of the pond. Everyone I know has been sick (fortunately I haven't - - so far). Spring can't come quickly enough. That gorgeous photo of the crocuses gives me hope.

    I really love the 1852 book that you discovered - it looks like a treasure.
    And that advertisement on the community board should get some kind of literary recognition for originality.

    As for ghosts - there seems to be a surplus of "Most haunted houses"....everywhere. I would have never believed in the supernatural, but I've had a few scary experiences - - and I was completely sober (*smile*). I'm prone to think evil spirits exist.....who knows?

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    1. I'm glad someone has commented on the 1852 book, I was pleased to find it. I wish it had been of London as I know London better than Paris. I think if Borley Rectory didn't convince me when I was in junior school, it can't have been that convincing!

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  11. Your sun on crocus is a stunner. A show stopper. I wish your Irish lad the best. Wish he were here.

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    1. He sounds like someone who would make life more interesting, to be sure. I'm glad you liked the crocus pic, my eye was caught by how the low winter sun was shining through the petals

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  12. Hi Jenny -- I'm so sorry to hear that your bug has been hanging on so long and you've both felt it. But I'm glad you can get out. I've enjoyed today's excursion immensely, including the advert! I think it's a script waiting to happen. I have to say when I opened this post and I saw those crocuses, they truly took my breath away. That is a magnificent photo -- just a treasure of perfect subject and perfect lighting. Kenwood House looks familiar (on the website) and I'm thinking it might have been in Notting Hill. Looks like a great place to spend an afternoon. Oh, it all does! Do feel better. (Valerie in Dusseldorf got her drawing prize in the mail today --I hope yours is soon!)

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    1. Yes, Kenwood was also in "Notting Hill" - well remembered. It has a beautiful white facade overlooking the landscape - the entire place was designed by a top landscape architect back in the 1800s and every detail was thought out. We saw some of his original sketches and in those days you could look right across at St Pauls. London has encroached since then and the trees have grown up but it was fascinating to see his original vision.

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  13. I have been sick for six weeks today. On the mend now (knock on wood) but totally drained.
    Thanks for the lovely walk and visit. :)

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    1. I check on your blog now and then Rita and am always a little concerned when you don't post for a while. I think this bug takes a lot of getting over. The weather doesn't help.

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  14. Glad you are feeling better, i do so enjoy reading your posts!

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  15. I was so happy to see your post and to know you are finally well! I love the Turner painting.

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    1. Yes, it is so different from what we associate with him, isn't it?

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  16. I love crocuses, but I have two problems. One is that they have largely disappeared from my garden, and I never think to plant them again in the fall. The other, of course, is that I am probably two months away from seeing them anyway.

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    1. Guess you could put a note in your diary on October 1, "plant crocuses" ? :) :)

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  17. So happy to see you popup on my reader. Great news that your better and walking around.
    As always a great post wiyh wonderful photos.

    cheers, parsnip

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  18. hi dear Jenny!
    though you post one in a month but your posts are always very full of charm and appeal as your way with words is remarkable and views you capture look magnificently stunning .

    First shot of crocuses is just delightful and made my morning!

    i am so happy for you that finally you are feeling better enough to share your glorious tours to wonderful places.

    thank you for sharing the kenwood house .I love all kinds of stuff and enjoy equally to look at and absorb the uniqueness so i absolutely LOVED the glimpses of house and THANK YOU for sharing the link of Belle sounds like MUST WATCH movie!

    hunting house story is little scary to me specially the blue lady.

    such ships and boats of olden times seem so fascinating to me either .
    wishing you a complete heath my friend !

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    1. Thanks Baili, one of the fun things about blogs is seeing other peoples lives and surroundings isn't it! This is one reason I like your blog too.

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  19. I am glad you are well on the road to recovery. You have been missed. I was surprised to see the Turner painting, years ago a copy of it was on display in a doctor's surgery. I always wondered if it was therefor a reason... lol.

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    1. Not unless the doctor was into fishing..... lol!

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  20. Thanks for your beautiful photos and good guidingo. Wishing you good health in this cold season.

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  21. That is Notre Dame de Paris, isn't it?

    That bug of yours stuck around a long time...a very unwelcome, uninvited guest. I bet you are happy it's finally left you, Jenny.

    We've been having steamy heat here...so I am very much looking forward to Autumn making its presence known.

    The Turner painting is extraordinary. The Gold Coast beaches here have been receiving a pounding for similar waves these past few days. The remnants of Cyclone Gita that hit Tonga last week.

    That is a weird ad!

    Take good care. :)

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    1. I thought so at first but Notre Dame doesn't have that classical bit at the front - or the steps......it might have been significantly altered since the 1850s though.

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  22. One of your wonderful meanders, Jenny, beautifully crafted as usual. I do like Hampstead Heath, very much, and Kenwood is a treasure I visited for the first time relatively recently. The story of Borley Rectory always terrified me, I must admit... You're right - that 'advert' is the start of an amazing book!! Will you write it? I think perhaps you should.

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    1. I noticed you had visited the heath recently, glad you finally made it!

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  23. I'm very glad you are recovered and feeling well, Jenny!
    To be ill 6 weeks is terrible. Now you walk and breath fresh air on Hampstead Heath. That's an amazing place, Jenny, I liked there much. Is there little zoo? I also love the Kenwood House as well. I was overwhelmed seeing its amazing collection of English painters. Because here in Hermitage there is very poor and small collection of English art, moreover it's often closed to visitors. Your pictures are interesting, especially Turner's painting.

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    1. The park with the little zoo is not far away, it's called Childs Hill and it's on the other edge of Hampstead Heath. It's a nice walk from one to the other. I think Kenwood was built basically as a setting for the paintings! incredible to think of that amount of wealth.... ! I didn't know that there was a collection of English art at all in the Hermitage at all.

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  24. Great Crocus picture! The Turner one is also good. Years ago I saw his exhibition at the Tate and was not impressed. The early stuff was good but looking at the later impressionist work I considered he just had too much white and yellow paint to use up. Poor stuff.
    Good to see you fitter again. It does take ages to get over the bug and it may return somewhat weaker but getting out and about is good.
    I look forward to next moths tour!

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    1. Hopefully not quite so long next time, I have just put a new post up as I really think I should be able to manage more than once a month!!

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  25. Tired or not I really enjoy when you post on your blog no matter when you post. I have to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading them.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Thanks, I think this might have got posted twice :)

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  26. Hello Jenny,
    Welcome back blogging. I am glad to hear that you have recovered and T has been enough feeling well. Both of you have good days in this early spring. I used to do tai chi for several years. Yes, I felt it was so good for my health. Now I try to remember the forms and do on my way at home though. Spring is just around the corner.
    Lovely day to you and T!Take care.

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    1. I am not very good at anything involving copying movements so tai chi is quite hard for me but i can do these few simple forms and I hope I'll be able to learn more, in time. Thanks for your good wishes.

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  27. Winter's been too grey and gone on far too long, this year.
    Granny was right, of course, a few good walks in the fresh air will work miracles. And perhaps a spoonful or two of malt ( does that still exist? )

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    1. I have a vague idea I had some malt many years ago and thought it was horrible but to be honest I have never been quite sure what is is! Ovaltine and Marmite spring to mind....

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  28. So lovely to read your post, Jenny. I am pleased you are feeling better again - it does take it out of you, doesn't it? I have had it three times since November, and am also trying to regain fitness. The crocuses are gorgeous, and how I'd love to grow them here. I avoid haunted houses as much as possible, just in case it is true :) I'd love to see Hampstead Heath and Kenwood house is beautiful. The lion is fabulous, and that Turner painting is terrific. I am familiar with the later works, but would not have recognised him in this, more like Constable to me. It reminds me of another appealing sea painting I saw this week on the Antiques Road Trip - of fishing back in the day in Norfolk. So evocative and dramatic. Loved this post!

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    1. There were some lovely fishing and sea paintings in a museum I visited recently. I wonder if it was Norwich, which has a good collection of East Anglian School paintings. I hope you regain fitness too, this thing does seem to come and go!

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  29. Hello, Jenny, thanks for popping by my blog yesterday! What an eclectic and interesting roundup of news and goings-on in your part of the world!

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  30. I have crocuses up, too - that makes me happy!

    The first stone carving is lovely and looks much older than it is. And the lion is very cool.

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    1. Yes, it looks almost prehistoric doesn't it? But I don't think prehistoric people would have been carving on an 1880s bridge! :)

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  31. It seems everybody is getting sick - so far, the flu bug hasn't caught me. Hope it stays that way; people who've had it said they had never been this sick before.

    The advertisement on the community board does look like the beginning of a movie - and it could be a romantic comedy or a scary horror movie!

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    1. Keep well, this thing seems to be worldwide.

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  32. I quite enjoyed my ramble with you and found Harry Price to be very interesting. The advert for housing was fascinating. I give him high points for creativity.

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    1. He sounded quite interesting, didn't he? I am still wondering if I'd have answered his ad if I'd had some spare accommodation.

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