Saturday 29 August 2015

Fun and Learning at the Museum...

This past week I finally got over to Derby and visited not only Pickford's House Museum of Georgian Life and Historic Costume, but also the Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

I was surprised how much there was to see at Pickford's House, and even more amazing were the unexpected answers to a few research queries,. like sort of objects that might be found in the rectory kitchen in my Nottinghamshire story.

But the biggest surprise was walking into the display bedroom and seeing the four poster with curtaining.

Apart from the colour of the drapes, this was how I imagined my hero Hugh's bed. The bed in the museum is a reproduction but was made to the original 1797 design, so it would fit time-wise.
The four-poster... 

There was a lovely and restful Georgian Garden.

Though this garden was from a design plan for a formal Georgian garden in Lincolnshire. It was in the style of the 1830's, with species planted that would have been available at the time.

Sadly some plants died, and others were planted in their place, but not quite right to the time, so when the garden was refurbished in 2005-2006, they used plants around and up to 1800- as the house was built in 1769-70.

Though there were a few plants of later dates that had happily established themselves since they were originally planted, so they stayed in place.
Part of the Georgian Garden...
For fun I did the 'put your head in the cut out stand-up scene' and have your photo taken. I did take my glasses off to fit the time-period.
Fun time...

The painting that was used as the basis for the cut out scene is actually on display in the museum for a while as part of their Georgian Children exhibition.

There was also a small display of historic costume for both men and women.

mid-18th century brocade dress, hat
and pocket
The Pickford family could afford to have the house built for them, and include fashionable features.

The Hallway is a perfect example. It has neo-classical motifs on the walls and ceiling.

Though I took a picture of the ceiling, it is worth seeing in person if you get the opportunity. It was definitely intended to impress.

The hall ceiling- designed to impress...






The couple of hours I spent wandering around the displays was extremely enjoyable, and the museum staff were knowledgeable and clearly cared about the House-and being able to share its delights with visitors. But like many council funded museums their future is always under review, and it is footfall and feedback that holds sway.

You can find out more about Pickford's House in Derby on their website.

If you pop over to my other blog on my Serena Lake website you will find some alternative information on the house, and a few more photos.

Just want to say hello to the charming American lady who I met in the kitchen and gave my blog details to. Like me, she was taking lots of pictures. If you're reading this I hope the rest of your short trip to England has gone well, and you got to visit some of the other places we were able to suggest.










Sunday 23 August 2015

Diversions...

As I haven't been able to write, I've been gathering remaining research material ready for returning to the Nottinghamshire story.

My own personal hero- my husband- has taken a couple of weeks off. Unfortunately we haven't been able to go on holiday as we intended, so we've been busy reorganising at home instead, so that's why there's been little writing this month.

Though admittedly the furniture shifting did result in my getting access to some of my useful reference books, so it was worth it. :-)

We're not finished with the sorting yet, as the changeable weather has made it difficult to move some things around. You fill up a few boxes so you can move one piece, but then the boxes take up the spare room- unless you can temporarily put them outside, but then there's dark clouds building...

So there may not be another blog post until next weekend.

The time away from writing has also been giving my brain time to play with ideas for my other stories, and watch the clouds while I'm thinking.

In the past the clouds were a good indicator of approaching rain and storms, and I'm sure modern farmers have become attuned to their appearance too, just as those farming a couple of hundred years ago would have been.

Sadly I only see the standard types of clouds, but if you stand watching for a few minutes, not only do they move but they change shape and reveal and conceal light as they go- if the weather conditions are right.

Layers of light and shade...
Rain is on the way...
A burst of grey...
         

A Turtle or a Pigeon?










As a child I remember lying down on the floor of the roundabout and watching the sky revolve above my head, and the clouds wisp by like candy floss being twirled around a stick.

If you're really interested in clouds and the study of them, there's a society you can join, The Cloud Appreciation Society.

Sometimes we just need to stop and take a breath, and look up at the clouds...



(Photos taken 22nd August 2015)