I have to whisper this and hope that no-one hears but I do enjoy a visit to Glasgow over Edinburgh. You may be amazed when I say this, as I do love Edinburgh. I have spent many happy days in the Scottish Capital City and taken some memorable photographs. Glasgow may not have the same immediate sights as Edinburgh. However if you allow yourself to be part of the energy of the city then there is a rich range of places to see. My conference was at the University of Glasgow and I stayed in the Grosvenor hotel in the West End near to the Botanical Gardens. My walk to the University buildings took me along Bryers Road past University Avenue. I took the detour down Ashton Lane several times to sample the quirky neighbourhoods and also sample the delicious food in the restaurants of the area.
The early morning sunrise along the Great Western RoadA figure crosses the Great Western road
My pictures are a selection of shop fronts and restaurants. There was a visit to the Kelvingrove museum. A walk along the river Kelvin in the early morning captured the shadows and light of the beautiful weather we had whilst we were in Glasgow. Visiting the Botanical Gardens during the golden hour captured the glass and the ironwork of the Victorian buildings. My particular favourite was a sunrise along the Western Avenue. For a few moments the sky radiated a warm orange colour as the sun rose over the rush hour traffic.
Golden hour over Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church.Sunrise catches the houses on Alfred Terrace, Great Western Avenue.Sun on Alfred TerraceGates outside the University of GlasgowA couple enjoying the Botanical Gardens in the late afternoon.Glasgow Train Station and the Beacon of Hope.Walking along the Kelvin River.Shapes of the Scottish Exhibition Centre.Graffiti where Cecil street meets the Great Western Road.The rising hill of Hillhead StreetGrosvenor Terrace and a skateboarder.Walking down Ashton LaneThe cinema on Ashton LaneJust Eat passing Subway 🙂New ideas for Dr WhoSomewhere in the Matrix
More information on Glasgow’s Westend plus pictures may be found on the Visit Glasgow Website.
This is my second blog on Glasgow after my Photographing Glasgow in 2019. Since then, I noticed the Glasgow graffiti has changed.
And just in case Edinburgh feels left out, here is some street photography on the streets of the Scottish Capital. The Edinburgh street photography is a popular page on my blog.
The golden ticket on a beautiful September evening was a 155 metres journey to the top of the Octagon skyscraper. The invite from Core-marketing on behalf of Paradise Birmingham brought out the great and the good of the photographic fraternity in Birmingham. There were many people disappointed that they were not there to celebrate the “topping out” of this iconic skyscraper. Over 60 photographers gathered at the base of the Octagon waiting to be taken up the 49 floors to the very top of the building. Our “lift” was a hoist which was a platform cage that pointed away from the building. This took up the first 25 photographers. Then there was an anxious wait as the hoist came back down for the rest of us. We did not want to miss the sunset. The cage of the hoist was bordered by a metal grill and as we climbed the outside of the building to the very top , our mobile phones recorded the journey.
Our “hoist” to the top.
We were greeted with a beautiful golden sun that was setting in the West over Edgbaston reservoir. The 360 degrees view was spectacular and with time the familiar landmarks around Birmingham came into focus. There was Broad Street, the Rotunda, the Cube and the BT Tower. Further away the Aston Expressway together with various mosques and churches scattered around the horizon could be seen. The serious photographers were very active. Cameras were pointed at the view and many pictures were taken. There were two levels at the crown of the Octagon, the main level with a metal barrier around the periphery and then a central raised column accessed by a metal staircase, provided a clearer view. There were various cameras on display ranging from super zoom telescopic lenses right down to the humble mobile phone. The social media channels were going to be saturated with views of Birmingham. Nicky Warwickshire, James never Jim and myself (dammodammo) were there representing the IgersbirminghamUK team!
The crown of the Octagon.The view of the sunset over Edgbaston Reservoir.Capturing the sunset.
Sunset was upon us and we gathered to pay homage to the setting of the sun. I was reminded of the Bowie song “Memory of a Free Festival” and the lyrics of the song resonated with me. “The sun machine is going down and we are going to have a party”. This time there was no music just the quiet clicking of camera shutters. However, the fun wasn’t finished. The lights of the city came on and car headlights lights started streaking down the streets like small silver dots. Suddenly you could see into the illuminated offices hidden during the day by reflective glass. Trams and buses were gracefully moving along the streets. Particular views that I enjoyed included Moor Street station and the Birmingham canal navigations.
The view from the OctagonThe Cube103The BT TowerMosques on the skylineSnow Hill 1 to 3Moor St and the Rotunda
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Needless to say we all took so many pictures that saturation point was quickly reached and then the time came to descend back down the hoist and catch the train home. In my excitement, I forgot to get a picture of the moonrise but luckily many other photographers filled that void and I was able to see their views of the moon. One photographer Pete Davies was at Edgbaston reservoir and he captured the moonrise next to the Octagon. You can just make out the photographers on the top.
Tram passing through Victoria Square.Cars on the Expressway.
We were discussing the visit and how spectacular the tower construction was on the train home. One of the Octagon project leaders was on the same train home and he gave us a fascinating insight into how the structure had been built and what was involved in its construction. Our conversation took in previous buildings such as the Cube and what was in store for Birmingham in the future. This was a really enjoyable evening and I knew that there was still the morning sunrise to look forward to. However the weather forecast didn’t look too promising but then again we wait and see.
Final look at the sunset glow on our way home.
The sunrise shift.
Getting up at 4:00am was not easy but once I got moving, I was wide awake. After a quick breakfast and walking the dog, I drove into Birmingham and parked up in Brindley Place. Birmingham City Centre was very quiet with only a few people moving around. I walked briskly through Centenary square, past the library, into Chamberlain place and on to the Octagon for the morning session. There were far fewer photographers gathered at the base of the building. Getting up early appears to be a much more difficult activity for a photographer than the evening sunset. The weather was dull and the golden glow of yesterday evening was quickly forgotten as we checked in and made our way to the “hoist”. Soon we were back travelling on the outside of the building. This was now familiar territory and recording the journey up was much easier the second time around.
Going up the Octogen
When we arrived at the crown, the first thing I noticed was the wind and the cold. Night had not loosened its grip of the new day and the bright city lights were still shining. I got out my camera and started taking pictures. There were some opportunities to take some long exposures of the rush hour traffic that was starting to stream into the City. Reviewing other people’s photographs, I realized that I had missed some buildings and I made sure that I got St. Paul’s church and the Big Pen in the Jewellery Quarter. There were a few other places that I had forgotten all about from last night and this was the most exciting part of the visit, taking new views of the city.
The rush hour into the City along Suffolk Street Queensway.A Bus moving down Broad street.Centenary Square Cambrian Wharf.St Paul’s ChurchThe Big Pen and the JQ in the early morning mist.The mist rolls in.
Slowly the dawn crept forward and banished the dark of the night. The wind seemed to be increasing and I was glad that I had my jumper with me to add to the layers of clothers that I was wearing. A mist started rolling in and unsurprisingly, there was no sunrise but I knew the sun was out there somewhere. With my remaining time, I started looking for unusual shots around the building. BBC West Midlands radio were present, interviewing people who were getting ready for the topping out ceremony that was taking place later that day.
Interviews for BBC West Midlands Radio.
This visit was a quieter affair. Mindfulness is a wonderful feeling and I stood taking in the view which was much more rewarding than just wanting to use my camera. I had taken all the pictures that I needed and went back down the hoist for the final time. There was a touch of sadness as I had really enjoyed my two visits to the top of the Octagon. This 49 floor skyscraper is ready for future residential living and the plan is to rent out the apartments. The building will soon be completed and then the army of construction workers will move on to the next tall building. Birmingham is an exciting place and is changing all the time. I hope to go up the next building that gets finished, but in the meantime, I left with good thoughts as I wandered back through the city to my car. There were more workers out and about getting ready for the day, I had already completed a day on top of the Octagon and now I was getting ready for a second day. I looked forward to getting my pictures together and telling people how much I had enjoyed my visit to the Octagon.
Bolt and BokehHoist CallHook and crane
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to all at the Octagon who allowed these amazing visits to take place. I do hope you enjoyed reading about my visit to the Octagon. Thank you to Paradise Birmingham and Core-Marketing for the opportunity.
Sunset memories.
I have given a link to some of my other visits to skyscrapers and hope you continue to read my photographic journey.
This cathedral is a Birmingham hidden gem. I have walked past the building several times and always wondered what the place was like inside. Located on Summer Hill Terrace, the cathedral sits on the edge of the Jewellery quarter. Summer Hill is an elevated part of Birmingham and when you stand by the cathedral you are overlooking a busy dual carriageway that leads into Birmingham. From here you look over the National Indoor Arena with a good view of the new shiny skyscrapers that are being built in the city centre. The streets around the Cathedral are very narrow with a one-way system. The church has access to parking and leaving my car I made my way to the entrance. On this Saturday night, the service of Vespers was taking place. Vespers is a liturgy of evening prayer. Sunset is when the liturgical day starts. The hymns that are sung introduce the day’s themes. This opportunity of visiting the Cathedral to partake in the Vesper’s service was made possible through the Birmingham Heritage Week and invitation of the Church Committee of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew.
The beautiful symmetry of the Cathedral.
The rain was coming down and walking through the entrance, there was a warm light flowing outwards welcoming you to the Church. The elders of the cathedral had taken over the church in 1957 and the original stonework with repeating arches is impressive. Overlaying this architecture was an abundance of riches with extensive chandeliers and religious icons both on the walls and at various entrances. The alter was the focus of a large collection of paintings and icons. The Greek Orthodox congregation were very friendly and the singing was beautiful.
An upward view of the large ChandelierThe beautiful arches and stonework.
Before I knew it the beautiful rendition of the Vespers service was over. One of the Church committee then explained the history of the cathedral and pointed out particular features of interest. Then we were invited to look around the cathedral and then to join everyone for refreshments in the Cathedral hall. The cathedral was full and it was difficult to get good pictures with people moving around. I went for refreshments and then made my way out. To my delight the church happened to be quiet and peaceful and I was able to move around and take pictures with my iPhone. The symmetry of the church caught my imagination and the iPhone is good at working in low light. I particularly enjoyed viewing the icons and the many pictures around the Cathedral. The evening was very memorable and this blog is my attempt to convey the evening through text and pictures.
A stunning icon of the Madonna and child.CandlesGuiding light
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Details of the alter.The dome of the CathedralChandelierSide alterAlter and domeCrossIcons
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The outside of the cathedral from Summer Hill Road
Sixteen-acre ward has been a project that I started in March 2021, and I have visited the area at regular intervals since. The wood was in the news, when the initial plans for the HS2 line revealed that it would cut into the wood. Therefore, trees were felled, and an old ancient pond was duplicated in a new location nearby. This new pond has signage and chains to protect this nature venture. Over the years, the landscape around the wood has changed drastically. This is my fourth visit to the wood. As with the previous ones, I was interested to see if anything had changed since my visit last year.
The new pond is covered with vegetation. No entry to the pond.A crane rears its headOvergrown
Fortunately, my drive to Berkswell village was not difficult as the HS2 works will close access to various roads around the area at a moment’s notice. I parked my car near to St Mary’s Church, Berkswell, and walked along the boardwalk. There is a footpath that runs up the hill over a farmer’s field. This footpath meets up and follows the HS2 route I reached the part of the HS2 track which passes by Sixteen-acre wood and goes onto meet Kenilworth Rd.
The landscape has really changed.Drainage and fencesNot a place for swimming.
A year on and I noticed that the vegetation is starting to reclaim much of the area. The new pond is thriving although it could do with some trees around the parameter. Meanwhile the old pond has not given up and there is still life around an old tree has collapsed into the water. Walking down the designated footpath there is a sharp contrast. On the left side beyond the steel fence the large land moving vehicles were resting as it was a Sunday, a day of rest. The earth had been moved into heaps of brown soil and there were lines of plastic pipes lined up for draining the water. On the right-hand side, the wood looked in a sorry state. Some of the vegetation is recovering but there are still scars around the knocked down trees. Some of the trees looked like scarecrows contrasting against the bleak sky. What did catch my eye was the number of butterflies and dragonflies that were present. Nature is slowly attempting to get back to its feet after being interrupted by the HS2 works.
The old pond looks out at the new landscape.The trees look bare.Crows fly above the trees.We are still here.DragonfliesNew places to restButterflies
These pictures show the amount of construction that is happening as the pace of building is now moving quickly. In the midst of this construction, there were some beautiful butterflies and I must have seen around 10 different types of insects. There was a hoard of dragonflies that are living in the stagnant water created around the HS2 trenches. Someone once told me not to worry about HS2 as everything will grow back once the viaducts that are planned are completed. I wait to see if this will be true as the scars in the land look very deep. I now have my 4th entry into my 16 acre wood project and I will return next year to see what progress has happened and whether nature is coping with the changes forced on the landscape.
HS2 construction is gathering pace.Earth moving equipment waiting for Monday morning.The stagnant water has encouraged the growth of the dragonfly population. The wood is to the left of the picture.
The University of Birmingham campus is very picturesque. Whenever there is a feature about the status of UK universities, the major news channels will film on the campus at Birmingham. The popular views are when a summer graduation is taking place in the Great Hall. This will be followed up with views of Chancellor’s Court and the Green Heart. The later lies in the centre of the university campus and showcases the stylish buildings that surround the area.
The platform with the University Crest in the foreground with the organ and stained glass window in the background.
Therefore, I was very excited to be involved in the organisation of an IgersbirminghamUK on the University campus. The Instameet plan was to visit two buildings, the Great Hall and the University library. We gathered for a briefing in Chancellor’s Court and then the University security team kindly opened up the Great Hall. The building was being prepared for a conference, hence the poster boards in the centre of the hall. We were given time to wander around and take photographs. The Grade II-listed red-brick hall was built in 1900 and the impressive architecture includes beautiful ceiling lights and a magnificent 32ft organ.
The stained glass window with the different subjects taught at the University.
The large stained glass window that overlooks the hall depicts all the different subjects that are taught at the University. Some of the subjects have changed over time. Having been given full access to the hall, we were able to view the windows and the organ close up. I was pleased that I could take pictures from where the academic staff normally sit. Early in my academic career I sat on the seats high at the back and as I became more senior, I progressed towards the front where the Vice Chancellor stands as he congratulates the graduands. The degree ceremony is when they receive their certificate and become graduates of the University. Following our visit to the Great Hall, we went out into the marble rotunda foyer and up to the first floor. This allowed us a closer view of the ceiling and a look down to the foyer. There was an exhibition “A History Through Objects” which highlighted research and innovation at the University. Many of the photographers took close up pictures of the items on display.
Looking down to the Foyer.The entrance to the Library.
Our next place to visit was the University library. This modern building was opened in 2016 and sits in a prominent position overlooking the Green Heart. The building has a distinctive exterior design with vertical yellow lines interspersed by windows. We were given access to training rooms 1 and 2 which are on the top floor of the building. These rooms have panoramic views of the campus. Picture taking through the windows is tricky due to reflections on the glass and I should have brought my polarising filters to reduce the glare. I was fascinated by the design of the ceiling which provided interesting shapes and the lighting added different contrasts against the walls. I have been in the library many times and I took the opportunity of getting some extra pictures of the large spaces, careful not to interrupt the University users.
Views of the Green Heart and Muirhead Tower.View of Old Joe.Views of Chancellor’s court and Old Joe.
Finally there were some pictures of the Green Heart and the picture of the coats of arms that were taken from the old library. Several of the IgersbriminghamUK group met for coffee at Costa Sports. Sitting in the sunshine we were able to discuss both our good and bad pictures. The University is such a great venue for a photography meeting and we hope to return at a later date.
Looking up to the roof of the Library.One of the many interesting views in the Library.
Thank you to both Campus security and Library services for allowing us to visit and a special mention to Tony Moran, International Communications Manager at the University of Birmingham for enabling this visit to take place.
The University crests at the centre of the Green Heart.
The pictures featured were taken by myself and if you wish to view the series of pictures that were taken by the other participants at the Instameet then follow this Instagram link #igbUK_meet_UoB.
Our family holiday was in Anglesey staying at Gwelfor barn near to Llangoed on the east of the island. This location was near to Trwyn Du lighthouse. The weather was changeable but my Clear Outside app showed that there was a good chance of a sunrise taking place on our first days on holiday.
View at sunrise.
The day was set and I got up very early careful not to disturb the family and drove down to Trwyn Penman point. Although I had done my research, I did not realize that this area was privately owned. Driving in the darkness, I came across a burning fire and a gatekeeper standing next to it. This was 5:00 am in the morning and the sun was a long way from rising. There was a payment of £3.50 and I had no cash with me but as luck would have it, he took out a SumUp device and I was able to pay contactless with my phone. The cones were moved, allowing me to continue my drive up to Trwyn Penmon Point. The scene that greeted me was surreal with numerous camper vans parked up for the night. Some people were asleep in their cars. No one was stirring.
A long exposure of the sea around the lighthouse. This view is looking North and away from the sunrise.
I quickly got all my equipment out and went down to the shoreline. The tide was going out so I scouted around looking for a good vantage point. The rocks were covered with seaweed so I was very careful with my own personal safety. The rock pools provided good opportunities for reflective photography with my iPhone. My many photographs of the of the area revealed which was the best vantage point and I set up my Cannon 5DmkVI camera on a tripod. I placed a graduated filter onto the lens. This would allow me to get a good exposure of the darker lower half of the picture and reduce the overexposure that would occur when the sun rose. I also looked for interesting foreground features to complement the composition. The background of Puffin island and the outline of the Great Orme near Llandudno was dark and therefore some compensation was required. The steps leading upto the lighthouse were starting to be uncovered by the outgoing tide. I used the steps as a leading line. I almost missed the sunrise and when you see the initial part of the sun rising, then you have about 5-10 minutes where the sun is a yellow disk as soon the the rays start to overpower your exposure. The sunrise is a very exciting experience and several pictures were taken.
This shows the difficulty of keeping everything in balance although I do like the bright sun attempting to shine on the dark seashore.
I started to vary the position of the tripod although one of the problems I encountered was a large seagull that was taking interest in my camera backpack. Therefore I had to take the bag around with me! The golden hour light was falling on the old lifeboat houses and the camper vans. The North Wales coast was starting to stand put and all the time the sun was getting stronger. I remembered to take a few pictures with my Fujifilm x100vi camera. Then I stopped taking pictures and stood back to enjoy the scene. In such moments, the experience of appreciating the present and exercising mindfulness is a refreshing exercise. There were no photographs for about 5-10 minutes and I found myself sinking in and enjoying the sound of the sea against the rocks and the sun on my face.
The golden hour as the sun’s rays cast a golden hue over the lighthouse cottages and the overnight camper vans.Seaweed on the rocks.Colours on the rocks.
Then I knew it was time to go. There were a few more pictures. I had my iPhone out and took a few interesting pictures of the stacks of stones that people had set up on the rocks. They mirrored the lighthouse nicely. Back at the holiday home, there was processing to be done before releasing the pictures on my social media. As a postscript, one of my iPhone pictures received many likes on Instagram, although my large Canon pictures were fun to set up. I enjoyed my time at Trwyn Du lighthouse. Unfortunately I did not get to the other lighthouses mainly through family commitments and also due to other events. Even so a magical sunrise at Trwyn Penman point was one I would not forget.
A view of the lighthouse and the shore from the boat trip around Puffin Island.Panorama of the scene that opened up before me.
The newest and tallest building in Birmingham is the Octagon which is 155 m (509 ft) tall. The skyscraper will have 49 floors and is dominating the Birmingham skyline. The picture shows how dominant this building will be across the City. The platforms at Snow Hill Station are uneven and puddles form after the rain. I took this one in a large puddle to show the dominating structure. I am looking forward to taking more pictures of the completed skyscraper. Watch this space.
Different styles between the Library and the neighbouring Octagon.
The Library of Birmingham is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK. Built in September 2013, the building is spectacular both inside and out. There is so much to photograph and there are so many different layers to the building. There is a photo opportunity around every corner. Since the opening in 2013, I regularly visit the building with the aim of taking photographs during the different seasons. You will find many pictures of this building throughout my blog.
Going up on the escalators.One of the many quiet areas to work in the Library.“Inception” style reflections. This could be a still from the film.The ExchangeParadise circus.
This set of photographs is from my recent visit in August 2023. I took several pictures with my iPhone as I moved up the escalators. I then went out onto the first balcony and took several reflective pictures. When the library first opened this was one of the favourite pictures styles that appeared on the social media channels. There is one new building that features in my pictures and this is the Library’s tall neighbour, the Octagon. This 49 floor skyscraper is the tallest building in Birmingham and is nearing completion.
ReflectionGood neighbours
This is a link to the next blog which features photographs of the Octagon as it now dominates the Birmingham Skyline.
Balcony view
Some more exciting views of the Library may be seen in this weblink
I was a student in Manchester in the seventies when punk and new wave were the big thing. I caught up with the New Romantics music whilst in London. In the eighties it was all about getting my qualifications and working for promotion. Family arrived and that was my life. The rave culture happened and it was just news headlines. I loved the music and often read about the rave gatherings that were taking place in Coventry and Birmingham. Sadly, I never attended a rave although the popular music of Orbital, Future Sound of London, Massive Attack and Underworld was very much a fav at the time.
Getting ready to see where the illegal rave will be. Wow an A-Z map and cassettes.
When I read about “In pursuit of repetitive beats” at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, I knew that I must experience it. This art installation transports you into a wild and immersive VR experience. You are thrown into a story set in 1989 about attending an illegal rave around Coventry. The story focusses on three young people attending the event alongside the accounts by police who were trying to stop the illegal raves from taking place.
Here I am kitted out and dancing in my VR space.
Once I was kitted out with Virtual Reality headset and hand controllers, I was ready to go into this virtual world. The experience was surreal. You followed the story by picking up leaflets with your virtual hands and there was a talking head providing information as you removed around your virtual world. In one part, I was flying towards a gigantic eye with electricity bolts steaming out of my hands. It was so cool. I became immersed in the story of an illegal rave. Realistic car journeys, the police chase and then the rave itself. All the time I was moving and dancing with the beats of the music. I must have looked a real sight whilst I was in a virtual world! Still such great fun. Attention to detail was spot on.
A range of posters that were used to advertise the upcoming raves.ConcertsPhone cardStoriesMemoriesTelephone 80s style
Whilst I am unable to provide pictures of the VR experience there were pre-show displays at the entrance to the experience. This detail is from the phone box display which was set up to show how people communicated and navigated to the raid before the advent of mobile phones.
IgersbirminghamUK were contacted by the National Trust to ask if we were interested in holding an Instameet at Coughton Court. This approach is part of the National Trust’s summer campaign to bring people together to explore their properties and enjoy the outdoors. This aligns with the IgersbirminghamUK group which aims to organise photographic Instameets with the aim of photographing and enjoying a day out at different locations.
Scaffolding around the historic Tudor building.
Coughton Court is a historic Tudor House and is undergoing an extensive program of repairs to the roof of the building. The cost of these repairs is £3.3 million and the conservation project will finish in 2025. During the building work, parts of the house remain open to the public.
Hard hats and high visibility vests. IgersbirminghamUK photographers ready to go “Through the roof”.
We gathered at the property early on a Sunday morning in August. The often-photographed building looked so different with the scaffolding and plastic sheeting covering the brickwork. Our National Trust host, Gum, gave a warm welcome and outlined the plans for the day. After introductions and the obligatory picture, we split into two groups of 10. One group visited the house whilst the other climbed the scaffolding to review the restoration project. Both groups then swapped over.
Beautiful views from the top.Looking out towards the Birmingham Road.Dropping a penny from the viewing platform.Details of the repairs on the Tower roof.
There are 88 steps up to the Visitor Viewing Platform. We donned blue protective hats and hi-vis yellow jackets and then we made the journey to the top. On the way up, we began to see the beautiful Warwickshire countryside. There were many photographs to be taken of the unique views of the house and the surrounding estate. The view of the restoration work on the roof of the tower showed the extensive renovations being done. I have climbed the tower in previous years and this view was different to what has gone before. I have photographs taken before the restoration, but to see the stonework close up was very exciting. The drop penny shute was fun especially as James had a coin to drop into it. Whilst the views made it tempting to linger around the top of the tower, there was another group waiting to go up and there was still the house to visit.
A view of the ceiling in the entrance hall
The “Through the roof” project is highlighted throughout the house and we were shown around via the temporary entrance to the main hallway. Everything looks different to what I am normally used to as the restoration of Coughton Court is extensive and involves several areas. Some of the rooms are inaccessible and others have furniture stored away. There is a feel of a family house undergoing decoration, as items are cleared away, although this is on a much grander scale than your average family house! There are informative displays throughout the large room that normally has a grand table set out for dinner. One of the most impressive areas was the lounge. The National Trust has taken the opportunity to lower the chandeliers to allow cleaning of these intricate beautiful creations. There were a few more rooms to pass through and then it was out to the gardens. The house visit was a new experience and as photographers we were getting a feast of opportunities for pictures.
New displays of the different rooms undergoing restoration.Storage room with ceiling decorations and other items carefully stored away.Lego men helping with the work.The chandeliers are at ground level allowing detailed inspection and cleaning.Crystals and family photographs.ChandelierPiano and notices
The gardens were looking beautiful and the lime tree walks lead out to the large green space. Looking back there are views of the building, although this time it is covered up for the restoration work. As I made my way up to the river Arrow, I saw the stalls for Myton Hospice who have a summer display along the river. Along the west riverbank, there are numerous butterflies planted along the waterside as memorials to loved ones. These lead onto the footbridge and the riverwalk. There is so much to explore at Coughton Court and each visit is a different experience.
The rear view of the Tudor house under renovation.The butterfly display by Myton Hospice on the river banks.
There was still one more treat in store as we were given an early access to the walled garden. This was a wonderful opportunity to view the various ‘rooms’ of this extensive garden without too many people spoiling the picture. There are several picturesque views and the flowers were in full bloom. There were many bees out and about especially on the lavender borders. I took many pictures in the garden and I noticed that many other photographers were doing the same thing. I particularly liked the quirky growth on the Lysimachia flowers. They resembled ducks with their crooked growth. After taking our fill of the gardens, we retired to the outside courtyard for a well-deserved coffee break. There was a quick review of our pictures and the we said our goodbyes.
The water feature within the walled garden with St Peter’s church in the background.Bees on the lavenderLysimachia
The National Trust is highlighting the importance of take time out of our busy lives to reconnect with nature. This reminds us of how beautiful nature is and the joy and happiness that it can bring. This IgersbirminghamUK Instameet was an opportunity to do just this and we wish to thank the National Trust for allowing us to visit Coughton Court. Thanks to Nicky Warwickshire of the IgersbirminghamUK team for organising the Instameet.
Thanking Gum and her team for allowing us to spend time in Coughton Court. We loved our time and the opportunity to take photographs.
If you enjoyed this report on the IgersbirminghamUK meeting or wish to visit other National Trust properties I have put links to other blog entries below.
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