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| Rose's studio that I visited with Lucy and Rachel |
Since the last post, I saw the theatre production, a far darker play than I realized it would be (enjoyed its thought-provoking nature), travelled to Portishead near Bristol for a 3-day visit with cousins Rod and Ann, had a day trip to the Dartmoor Forest to visit their daughter and family, and have now 'come home' to Chawton. I was proud of my ability to navigate the English rail system on the way back this afternoon when the route I had intended to take wasn't running. I replanned the route on the spot, got on the right train, sorted out how to deal with replacement buses owing to construction, and got to Chawton mid-evening as planned.
It was wonderful to walk back into the Stable Block. A new group of Fellows is here; only one in tonight so we had some time to get acquainted. Tomorrow's plans are to spend as much time as possible in the library to finish working with two books I asked Morwenna to hold for me, and to spend at least a couple of hours back at the JA Museum in Chawton. I have ideas for future studies involving textiles so want to go back to re-examine pieces on display.
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| Tapestry Studio: horizonal loom at West Dean College |
The tapestry studio tour at West Dean College was interesting although not what I expected. The Open Day only included entry to the studio where they do the commissioned pieces, no student work. The weavers were working on one of the Unicorn Tapestry reproductions for Sterling Castle. It was very interesting to see their huge looms, how they use cartoons horizontally, etc. but I had hoped to see original pieces in progress. The gift shop didn't have any WDC produced items so that was disappointing.... I could find giftware made in China anywhere. But then, I had a lovely ploughman's lunch (subbing in my own GF crackers) and a cuppa while overlooking the grounds. So lovely. Nothing like proper crockery to make a meal!
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| Ploughman's |
Then I got caught in the thunderstorm of the century! I took refuge while waiting for the bus in a lean-to that is slowing being consumed by ivy growth. It was more than a little creepy but a welcome sight when the rain started pelting down and the thunder was cracking all around.
While near Bristol, Ann (another textiles enthusiast!) took me to The Spinning Weal is Cliveden that sells weaving, spinning, beading, sewing, and knitting supplies. Wow, what a treat. I even got the free special cotton shopping tote especially for visitors from at least 50 miles away.
In the afternoon we went to a painting/needlework show at the Bristol Cathedral by Sue Symons. It was astounding! Sue had made 48 panels based on the Book of Genesis. Absolutely beautiful and a feast for the eyes.
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| Centre panel: gouache painting. Embroidered border (Symons) |
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| Back panel: Embroidered |
That evening I met another cousin, Bob Morley, Rod's brother, and partner, Carol over a terrific Chinese meal.
On Saturday we took a 2 hour drive to visit Rod and Ann's daughter, Sam, and her family. They live somewhere in the Dartmoor National Forest. What a crazy crazy place to drive in. Narrow lanes bordered by hedgerows, winding roads, intersections of at least 5 roads, poor signage, and holiday campers...oh, and horses, goats, sheep, cyclists, hikers, etc. We partook of a lunch at the Tavistock Inn (so I suspect we were at somewhere near Tavistock). Briony's lunch was quintessentially English as you'll see by the photo! Yes, I took a photo of egg and chips as I had never seen it before!
And now I am back at Chawton for 2 nights before heading home.
For community-building, how do you like this idea? There were free courgettes (zucchinis) and beets at the Alton train station courtesy of the Alton Community Garden. I love this idea!
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