October 21
The last thing on my mind today was boredom. The Hill House is stunning. I encourage you to copy and paste this link: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/the-hill-house I admit that I have never been a big fan of Art Nouveau but seeing its application in a home setting changed my mind. Look at this wallpaper:
The house was built in 1902-3 by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in collaboration with his artist/wife, Margaret McDonald Mackintoch. It was commissioned by the Glasgow publisher Walter Blackie. The family lived in it for a half century. It was like living in a work of art.
You probably noticed the wall dampness on the lower half of the picture. The building is crumbling. Five years ago, a chainmail mess box was built around the house to try to protect it from the environment. I understand from a tour guide that the moisture content had already decreased by 80%. The box adds another design element to the viewing experience as well as allows visitors to walk about the building. I am standing on the second floor walkway (below). I think it’s brilliant.
OK - now change your visual mind. We are going from elegance to entertaining. On the way back, I got off the bus in Kilcreggen. I wanted to check out the vintage store one more time. I found a funky coat and this - a wool hot water bottle cover from the 50s. Isn’t this adorable?
So am I the only one who doesn’t know the joy of a hot water bottle at the foot of your bed? Everyone uses them over here. The closest experience to this delight is when Louise (pup) moves to the other side of the bed and I put my toes in the warm spot she leaves behind, I am getting one when I get home. And, of course, I have to mention that it reminds me of Philip Guston’s small paintings of household items. Maybe you will look them up. (I am still afraid the Copyright Art Police will get me if I copy a work on to my blog. (I wish I wasn’t such a rule follower)
OK one last image from a postcard: Tut-Tut is right on the shore here in this village. (below) The website says:
RATHER PROSAICALLY CALLED “THE PAINTED Rock” when first created in 1851, this piece of Victorian rock art is painted upon a boulder cast high on the shoreline by the retreat of a glacier during the last Ice Age.
The rock’s look has varied throughout the years, often to reflect historical events. Despite having no connection to Egypt, the rock gained its current name, Tut-Tut, in 1922 following Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb and the King Tut mania that followed. During World War II, a V for Victory was incorporated to boost morale in the local community. I just love this stuff! Great day.
