St. Paul's Cathedral - # 43/2011

A few years ago, a politician tried to claim, for political reasons, that you cannot see St. Paul's Cathedral (about 13 miles away) from Richmond Park.  He was proved wrong, and I have again, right here, proved him wrong.

Crossing over (Transition from Winter to Spring) - 6 - # 42/2011

The sun is out and Spring really is in the air (within 200 square meters I counted 8 photographers).


Looking west from the escarpment at Richmond Park we get a clear view of Ham House beside the river.  When the trees are in leaf it will be almost invisible except to those who know where to look, and for what.

Crossing over (Transition from Winter to Spring) - 5 - # 41/2011

The Six Nations - today England beat France at Twickenham, the home of Rugby. 17 - 9 for England but it was not "a walk in the park" for the winners.  France are superb at rugby, and so are England - and in this game both sides were well matched.  The French are a bit off form at the moment and were most likely to loose.  But England, who are on form, made some sloppy mistakes.  When playing France at rugby a mistake usually costs you the whole game. This was, as always when England meets France, an exciting match. Tonight Richmond town centre will be full of celebrating fans and downcast Froggies.

The photo? I almost forgot it: walking in Richmond Park alongside the snow drops and the catkins.  (From here you can see the huge Twickenham stadium and although it's a couple of miles away you can hear the roar of the crowd.)

Urban experience - # 40/2011

Once a royal hunting park where deer roamed, the "Old Deer Park" car park has few charms.  On the other hand, it does have a strange atmosphere as a piece of "Urban-Techno" art about it - at least, that is how it is at night. It conveys a strangely comfortable feeling of "cosy alienation". It somehow says "Yes, this is home.  Like me or loathe me, I'm yours".  I really have tried to do my best with it.

Crossing over (Transition from Winter into Spring) - 4 - # 39/2011

Crocuses in bloom, 16th February 2011.

Crossing over (Transition from Winter to Spring) - 3 - # 38/2011

January 31st, late afternoon, view from the Kitchen Garden, Ham House, looking West.  For once the sun had shone and the sky had been a beautiful soft blue all day, with a whisp of cloud. The low sun cast a pinkish orange glow and the whispy clouds and the remnants of blue did the rest.  The temperature was mild - unusually mild for the time of year.

Crossing over (Transition from Winter to Spring) 2 - # 37/2011

Late January in Kingston upon Thames.  It looks better in B&W.

Work of art - # 36/2011

Before we move into the "Crossing" series (loudly announced on Thursday) I thought I'd pause for breath. So, what's this?

Crossing over (Transition from Winter to Spring) - 1 - # 35/2011

Returning from the brilliant sun and warmth of winter in Oman I have been wondering what on earth to do next.  As the archive builds up it will be nice to try to document the transition from a nasty Winter towards Spring.  So we can start here with "Crossing over". There is a hint of the damp asphalt after rain, and the ravages of winter can be seen already on the bad road surface. Given the sad state of the public purse, lack of cash and cuts in expenditure that damaged surface is likely to be there for a while, and will get worse before it is repaired.

1/5th of a second - # 34/2011

Natural colour - # 33/2011

It'll take me a while to rebuild the archive, which is now quite depleted after the ravages of injury, personal loss and being away. Seeing this splash of colour, both natural and manmade, brightened up an otherwise very grey, damp English day.

A nice day out in London - # 32/2011

A wet day in London......you can't beat it: the shine on the asphalt, the scurrying people, the sheer colour and emotion of it all.

Contrasts with Muscat 5 - # 31/2011

The late Victorian Terrace.......there are millions of houses in streets like this all over England.  The remarkable thing (for me, at least) is the attention to pretty details.  In one sense the rows and rows of little boxes all close together are a bit scary, but look at the pretty details.  "Elegant Living" for the masses, decency and church on Sundays: imperial confidence.   

Contrasts with Muscat 4 - # 30/2011

A small alleyway in Kalbuh.  Being English I am naturally overwhelmed and delighted by the play of the sunlight; it's what we see and like about the towns and sights in Italy and the Cote d'Azur, France. Kalbuh is a tiny little enclave close to Mutrah, the main harbour area of Muscat. It's a strange little spot - it's nothing but a few houses, but, for me at any rate, it has an overwhelming charm and quietness with a view to the sea. It's worth clicking on the photo to enlarge it and then just letting your eyes roam over some of the little details.

Contrasts with Muscat 3a - # 29/2011

The chapel at Ham Common.  Richard commented yesterday mentioning the snese of scale in the photo of the Grand Mosque.  I like the proportions of this little church, and the way it decorates the scene of Ham Common.

Contrasts with Muscat 3 - # 28/2011

Sultan Quaboos Mosque, Muscat.

Contrasts with Muscat 2a - # 27/2011

Midday in Muscat 25 degrees v Midday in Kingston 2.5 degrees.  The melancholy of the winter walk in an English town. Grey, quiet, the thronging and popular in Summer shut down chairs stacked and windows blank and empty in winter. The warm coats, the hats, the socks and boots. Thinking of getting home, lighting the fire and toasting crumpets and making hot tea.