So last month, I had this picture - the one on the right hand side - to deliver. Not a million miles away, to an area we thought we knew inside-out. But somehow, this secret place had evaded us. It was an oasis of quiet, a little settlement near one of the Oxford rivers, where you wouldn't go unless you had business there. For a start, there is a large elderly lady goose, keeping a watchful eye on everything and everyone. She was formidable - look at that chest!
Almost as soon as we were in our host's front door, I was intrigued by a pair of photographs which looks rather familiar - anyone else recognise this rather famous statue?
That's right - it's the Peter Pan statue which stands in Kensington Gardens. Although it's not quite. These are a pair of silver nitrate photographs of the original plaster casts of that very statue. They were rescued from a skip by my client's father and then rescued again by her, from being binned again in a clearout. They are signed by the sculptor, Sir George Frampton - or just George Frampton as he has called himself here. Because of the usual problems of photographing glass I am afraid the image qualities are not great and I inadvertently appear in this one. I haven't been able to find any mention surviving pre-casts online, who knows if these are not the only records?
21 Comments on The secret place, last added: 2/17/2011
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Almost as soon as we were in our host's front door, I was intrigued by a pair of photographs which looks rather familiar - anyone else recognise this rather famous statue?
That's right - it's the Peter Pan statue which stands in Kensington Gardens. Although it's not quite. These are a pair of silver nitrate photographs of the original plaster casts of that very statue. They were rescued from a skip by my client's father and then rescued again by her, from being binned again in a clearout. They are signed by the sculptor, Sir George Frampton - or just George Frampton as he has called himself here. Because of the usual problems of photographing glass I am afraid the image qualities are not great and I inadvertently appear in this one. I haven't been able to find any mention surviving pre-casts online, who knows if these are not the only records?
21 Comments on The secret place, last added: 2/17/2011
Oh Gretel, you must assuredly return to this place! The second I saw the photo of Mme Goose, I sensed some possibilities in her profile and attitude.
Proud to say I also guessed the Peter Pan statue, but it's very intriguing to learn the actual subject of that photo.
What an amazing place you have found, full of nooks, crannies, animals, views, machinery to tempt one's imagination.
Wow!
Best wishes
Gosh those Magazines look cool, I must check them out, cheers from New Zealand Marie
What a splendid day trip! Apart from all that fear of falling down... Splendid photos too, thank you.
Fascinating tour of the old mill. It is under some restoration and I wonder if its glory will next be studio apartments. Thank you for the mysterious tour, even apples for a snack. They looked delicious. Were they? Goosey Gander looks to be an African Brown. One of his relatives may have resided on the family farm years ago. lol They hold a nasty pinch.
BlessYourHeart
What a fantastic place. I enjoyed all the details and particularly like the arched double doors on the upper level.
The goats are beautiful. I haven't seen goats with that stocky anatomy before.Are they a special breed? Gruff maybe?
What a wonderful place, do you know what sort of a mill it was? It looks more like a place that had cotton or silk looms rather than a flour mill? I love that scythe, so good that it is still in use.
This entire post is a wonder. Love the Peter Pan photos (which is probably not a huge revelation, come to think of it), love the photos of the mill, sharing your trepidation when it comes to extremely steep stairs/ladders and the, erm, perfectly valid concerns about falling off, OH GOSH THAT VARDO!!, etc.
Am I gushing? I am gushing. I'll stop now.
You did well to conguer those fears and it was so worth it. An amazing place and good to know that such places are being maintained and used. I wish for you that couple of million!
What a wonderful day out. Like you, I would have had trouble with the ladders and the heights! Lots of potential for future drawings for you .... geese, chickens and the gorgeous goats!
Thanks for the virtual tour - delightful. I can almost smell the apples.
I too knew the Peter Pan statue, I remember being taken to visit it when we visit my beloved godmother who was a nanny in London.
Lovely mill, if you ever get that couple of million I'd love a studio.
jane
What a wonderful post and an exciting place :D I often make grand plans in my mind too, of places I'd love to renovate. Glad you made it back safely.x
What a great discovery and what a grand day out.
You should have known as soon as you were greeted by the goose that this would be a magical visit! I would love to live in that mill, even with the scary stairs - what a fabulous place. When you get your millions, turn it into an artist's commune....
How was the venison?
wow.... those were definitely steep steps.. and what a wonderful old place. You are right...millions of pounds to restore and keep up..... can't imagine it... although,.... as you say also... wonderful light and amazing views...
pretty interesting to see the little pre-cast thingies... and love the "vardo" .... you're absolutely right... a must go back kind of place for sure
What a wonderful day. I can't wait to see your version of the goose. I'd like to move right into that little wagon. Oh, happy day.
What a wonderful day! You're right, the Mill would work really well as a studio complex...
The wagon is adorable :)
What a wonderful place and a super post Gretel. I love places like this. they inspire us to greater thoughts I think. Lovely!
O O O what a magical adventure and all because of your lovely picture.
Hello there!
On a completely unrelated note I found this post on the Tate's blog http://blog.tate.org.uk/?p=3832 (erm, this should, hopefully, link to an article about Mark Hearld at home) and somehow it made me think of you.
kind regards
Helen
Hi Helen, I hope you read this - I can't find an email or blog for you - just to say, thank you very much for the lovely link, I can see why you made the connection - we both seem to have similar tastes in overfilled rooms of *stuff* and toys, I would love to go and explore his studio! Difference is, he is vey successful...