Monday 29 June 2009

Richmond roofline 11 - # 09/99

A pleasant curve, with an outlook direct onto the river. Always pleasant to the eye.

Saturday 27 June 2009

Chairs and table - # 09/98

This is something else I just liked the look of: and you can see me and my sandled feet. I chose not to fit the polariser. It's a very elegant looking restaurant on the Teddington High St.

I just love the shape of those chairs. It's a timeless design, seen in cafes for at least 100 yrs.

Friday 26 June 2009

Boat in the window - # 09/97

Snapped in one of the old cottages beside Teddington Lock: I just liked the look of it.

Wednesday 24 June 2009

Richmond Frontline 2 - Broad Shoulders - # 09/96


The "Greek Shopping Experience"........In the mid to late 19th century it appears that it was thought stylish to flank shop windows with a set of magnificently sculptured "shoulders". Here's a fine example in Teddington High St. There are many others in various states of preservation and quality. These are in the Classical Style, but others are more curvaceous and romantic. The 21st century shopping mall in steel and glass cannot compete with these elegant street-level "decorations on a human scale". The is a strong sense of leisure and style as you stroll from small specialist retail shop to small specialist shop.

Monday 22 June 2009

Richmond Roofline: return to the Front - # 09/95


After a brief spell of leave, we return to Teddington High St. This time it's a "full-frontal" viw of Eton Villas, 1864. (You wouldn't believe that it's actually Summer, would you?)

Saturday 20 June 2009

High up, Low down - -# 09/94

Another snap taken during my little episode high up on the roof of Ham House. The formality of the 17th century garden is best viewed from up high where you never can be. In the 18th century the English Landscape movement took over and the style changed.

It's just a snap, so please forgive the cut off corner, the tilting horizon etc. and the inclusion of the edge of the roof.

Thursday 18 June 2009

Richmond roofline 10 - # 09/93

Properly trained, using the safety harness and following the health and safety directions I went on to the roof of Ham House in my mission to repair the unrepairable. But instead of doing that I took a photo for the "Roofline Series". Rooflines - being up there, where you want to be.

This is the view, looking East-North-East towards Richmond Hill. The Thames is just out of the picture at the left edge.

Wednesday 17 June 2009

Richmond Frontline - # 09/92


Another gem on Teddington High St. Cergi (at cergipontin.blogspot) wanted some colour, so here it is, although rather muted.

Tuesday 16 June 2009

Richmond Slimline - # 09/91

Another one in Teddington High St. Look closely. You will see there are two front doors. One for the shop and one beside it for the flat above the shop. Painting the roof decoration (which is made of wood) must be a nightmare.

Monday 15 June 2009

Richmond Frontline 1864 - # 09/90


This one's in Teddington. Built 1864. Note the hint of the full servants kitchen and service area in the basement (just visible window frame) and the maid's accomodation up in the attic.

Saturday 13 June 2009

Richmond roofline 9 - # 09/89

This one is in Teddington. Have a happy week-end.

Friday 12 June 2009

Richmond roofline 8 - # 09/88


Looking across Richmond Green.

Thursday 11 June 2009

Richmond roofline 7 (nicely proportioned lines) - # 09/87

Now, if only I could have a word with whoever fitted the little white communications cable.

Wednesday 10 June 2009

Richmond roofline 6 (straight lines and curves) - # 09/86


The geometric perfection of 1724 brick and stone contrasts with the perfectly cut bush with its gentle curve. (Maids of Honour Row, Richmond Green; built 1724).

Tuesday 9 June 2009

Richmond roofline 5 (outstanding riverside view) - # 09/85

A roof-conversion apartment to die for? I wouldn't mind a middle one with a balcony either.

Monday 8 June 2009

Richmond roofline 4 (Urban idyl) - # 09/84

Cows in the meadow by the river, two live theatres, several cinema screens, and a fast train to London every few minutes. What more could you want?

Sunday 7 June 2009

Richmond roofline 3- # 09/83

Enormous quantities of rain are coming into Britain from America and from France. Globe Trotter of Portugal and Peter of Paris seem to be using this as an opportunity to tweak my nose about B&W images and clouds. Hey, Chaps! It's You and the Others; not Me!

Anyway. This picture was done in colour, but looked as if it was natural B&W - not a "hue" to be seen - so I tweaked it a bit with some yellow and orange tonal adjustments in the "greyscale". I suppose that now Jilly in Menton and Richard in Zurich will grumble about some aesthetic and technical points, and say they don't like it: and Nathalie in Avignon will just smile.

But you must agree: the bricklayers did a fine job.

Friday 5 June 2009

Richmond Roofline 2 - # 09/82


Angles, curves, forms, textures, tones, hard substances and natural vapours in Richmond upon Thames.

Thursday 4 June 2009

Climbing roses in Teddington - # 09/81

A delightful row of old workman's cottages in Watts Rd, just off Teddington High St. No doubt now costing a King's Ransom to buy or rent.

Wednesday 3 June 2009

Antiques, Doors and Brass - # 09/80


I wonder where, and in whom, this picture will resonate? We've stepped across the Thames into the suburban village of Teddington (part of the Borough of Richmond) into the delightful Teddington High Street where small shops still dominate and the "Big Chains" are few and tightly restricted, or simply not present.

What do we see? First a magnificent late 19th C building retaining most of its original features and tucked just beside it on the right the hint of an early 18th C mansion. Small shops make a delightful display of colour and diversity. In the foreground, in the right hand corner is the green shoulder of a new building, on a demolished site, but rebuilt to replicate the old style and maintain harmony. It's occupied by Starbucks (a pity, but not the end of the world) and the ambiance survives. L'Amandine, opposite is also a cafe chain, but my opening comments about "Chains" being tightly restricted are still valid.

It takes 45 minutes to stroll the whole length of Teddington High St. It's like stepping back 100 years.