Emma Bridgewater - One of My Heroines

I'm sure most folk who live in the UK have heard of Emma Bridgewater, who, when only a young woman had the desire and the vision to save an enormous ancient pottery in Staffordshire. She says that literally everyone told her not to do it. In previous centuries the area was known for it's many potteries and of course the filthy air they created. Today there are only a few working potteries left. The Mr and I visited the Bridgewater pottery a few days ago, we had breakfast, a tour of the factory, we even painted some plates, which will be sent to us once they have been fired. The whole experience was top notch and I would recommend a visit if any of you get the chance. After witnessing the labour intensive process involved in making her pots I fully understand the pricing and their worth. Incidentally all the folk working there were very happy with their tasks. Take a look at our plates above, can you guess which one I decorated and which one the Mr did? Before we went he wasn't sure it was his cup of tea but he absolutely loved doing it. When we recieve them back I'll post another picture so you can see the difference in the glazes after several firings.

JUST WOW

Watch it all if you have time, you'll be smilimg ear to ear, with just a little tear.

Lucky Girl

"The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. Now here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, some one even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out and taken yours." Alan Benett, The History Boys. Today I was gifted two very special items for my yet to be reading room and I couldn't be more thrilled. Here is one of them. I'm a lucky girl.

And here is a very special boooooook. To grace my shelves.

Would You Like A Reading Room?

If we have the space in our new home I would love a sun filled and cosy reading room. In my dreams it would have a glorious log burner and beautiful architectural features.

I'm also thinking it should have a Bloomsbury vibe. Years of working at Charleston Farmhouse has rubbed off on me, I have very fond memories of my time there. And luckily I did buy a few things for my house. This Chair is covered in a Duncan Grant designed fabric. It was designed for the first class areas of The Queen Mary in the 1930s I believe. The design was never used, the total design concept deemed too modern and with nudes mixed in the design, too controversial.

I couldn't believe my luck this week when a pair of interlined curtains in the same fabric but in a different colourway came up on Freegle. I wasn't the first to reply and request them but managed to get them from a very nice lady who is a big fan of the 'Bloomsberries'. My guardian angel was looking out for me methinks. We had a lovely chat about Charleston and she said she was so pleased to give me the curtains.

My risque standard lamp will add the right finishing touch to my reading room I feel. It was an expensive item when I bought it many many years ago from The Charleston shop, I don't think I could afford it now. I absolutely love it.

What do you think folks, do you like the Bloomsbury designs or are they too funky and bright for you?

Painting Dreams

A wonderful painting from Wendy today, find her on her Painting Dreams website. I'm looking forward to my Christmas present from the Mr this year ordered from Wendy, another piece added to my collection of wall hangings.

Embracing Autumn

The changes in seasons can be hard, I find the encroaching darkness the hardest aspect and the drizzly days. But I'm trying to focus on the positive. I do love a log burner and candles always look better in the darker months. Hearty comforting food is just that at this time of year. Shepherd's pie, spicy curries, slow cooker stews , rich in flavour and so warming. As you know dear reader we are hoping to move to Norfolk by the sea as soon as we can sell our house so we are both determined to cosy up and enjoy the next few months in this house whilst trying not to yearn for future sunnier climes. I hope you all are keeping well and warm, enjoy Halloween tomorrow and settle into Autumn.

A Few Pics of Portugal

The Mr and I recently spent eight days in Portugal staying in old historical buildings or Pousadas as they are known. Three different buildings, a Royal Guard barracks attached to an old palace, a hospital and a very old monastery. Most of the time spent there was very charming and so I thought I would post just a few pics. Do have a close look at the tiles, eighteenth century I believe and the subject? why, The Chicken's Wedding, natch.

Autumn

The cold weather has arrived and this year we have had to buy some logs in. We have been in our current home for over seven years and up till now have been using the store of logs that was left to us by the previous owner, plus a few of our own trees have provided. Our neighbour has felled our trees and we split the logs with him, a very good neighbourly arrangement.

Today has been bright and dry. I have been waiting for such a day to harvest my organic chamomile, which is now resting in the warm greenhouse whilst nature does it's thing. I'm not a huge fan of chamomile tea but using my own blooms improves the flavour no end.

Lee Miller, At Last Her Story Is Out There

I have been waiting for this film to hit the cinemas for years. I had the very great pleasure and privilege of working with Lee Miller's son Tony and her granddaughter Ami about nine years ago at Farley Farm House in East Sussex. I knew then that Kate Winslett wanted to make this film about Lee. It has taken so long, but boy the wait has been worth it. It's not really the full story of Lee's life, but rather a snapshot of her war time activity. There is so much more to Lee's story, I urge you to find out more and if you can manage to visit Farley Farm you will be amazed, surprised, moved and excited by what you find there. It really is an extraordinary place, truly unique and still under family control and care. If you have the time, watch this trailer to the end before you see the film.

Dame Laura Knight

Have you ever been haunted by an item that you didn't purchase? It doesn't happen very often to me, but a few years ago I saw an amazing portrait of the artist Dame Laura Knight at a local arts trail. I didn't buy said portrait and really regretted it. Especially after being totally beguiled by an exhibition of her work last time I visited Cornwall. I went to the next two art trails, which are only on once a year and the talented artist Jo Morley, and portrait were never there. BUT as luck would have it I found the artists small card with her deatails on and managed to get in touch with her. Guess what? she still had the portrait, it was meant to be :). Top is a photo of Dame Laura, second is my gorgeous portrait and the rest are examples of Dame Laura's work. If you don't know her work check her out, I suspect you will be beguiled too.

La Chimera

Wierdly strange and strangely wierd, refreshing, mysterious and tantalizing and not a little Felliniesque. We saw it at the cinema but I have seen it is now on some streaming sites. Wonderful, do try and see it, you won't regret it.