These interesting houses were I read somewhere built by one of the Courtauld's for some of their (better) employees. Unfortunately I cannot find the link again and I am going on memory here. I believe they were built as late as 1926 and appear influenced by the 'Arts & Crafts Movement' begun by the middle class socialist William Morris. They stand alone, backing on to the allotments that join the playing fields. I often wonder what they are like inside, although glancing at the windows brings scowls from the inhabitants I find, and the only disadvantage they have these days comes from the once large front garden now turned into car parking, and the tiny letterbox which annoys postmen! Whether they are now on open sale or still tied by some agreement I cannot tell, and being broke don't really care, but I do think that if you make homes for your (better) employees you may as well make them attractive like the ones shown here.
I saw this picture for the first time many years ago and took to it straight away. The face of the woman, bored, depressed, or what stuck in my mind. I just wanted to do something for her. Who knows why this was painted, possibly it was a genuine situation the artist noted, at least it wasn't more young ballet dancers! The reality of the situation still impresses me, and reality is all that matters.
.
6 comments:
That's a wonderful photo of the bridges.
The captain of the boat is obvious an old Scot, who ain't gonna stand for anyone telling him what to do (or not do, in cases of piloting small watercraft during storms).
Mike, Indeed. :)
Fish, I don't know what you mean.....
Judging by boat and wake, both boat and crew are more than capable. Though it's not clear, my guess would match yours, official boat, pilot cutter perhaps, or police.
But that water looks very lumpy, I'll bet everyone aboard is having to hold on tight, in a wild ride. Not the easiest way to earn a living.
On another related thought. Did you see that the Forth Bridge painters have FINISHED painting the bridge for the first time ever?
The current coating is expected to have a service life of ten years.
Now, in the pursuit of 'improvement' I ask, are all that highly specialised painting crew all down the dole office now? Will they be forced to travel long distances to get work that uses the skills they've learned, hundreds of feet up among the girders above the Forth?
Will one or two get work slung beneath the decks of oil rigs?
I saw the announcement not as a triumph of progress, but as the end of yet another way of life.
And in ten years time?
Where will they be, those men who grew up on the bridge, who knew its every mood?
Not available to go aloft and chip rust, that's for sure.
How did you get that picture of me and the wife on a night out?
Soub, The paint is supposed to last 25 years! I doubt it somehow....
Ken, I thought I recognised you.
Post a Comment