Revelling in Ravilious

I really thought I was not going to get to see the Ravilious exhibition at Compton Verney which ends on 10 June. However, DH suggested that we went on Friday, but then changed his mind when rain was forecast.  We eventually went on Saturday and, although it was a grey start to the day, it eventually got out hot and sunny.  Both the Ravilious exhibition and the 'Created in Conflict' exhibition which is running alongside it are well worth going to see.  We managed to take in the 1 hour guided talk too which was fascinating. The grounds were looking stunning with the wildflower meadow just beginning to bloom with dog daisies.

Textile Fair

Could I use this picture for Gum Arabic Transfer I wonder?

Went to Compton Verney Textile Fair on Saturday.  Bumped into a friend from Venture Group amongst the textiles. Loved both the Quinten Blake 'Inside Stories' exhibition and The Lost Words exhibition (featuring words and paintings by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris from their book of the same name).  Have not been for a while and the improvements to the facilities were a lovely surprise.  Catering facilities appeared to be an improvement, but there was much confusion about how to queue and get served there being two tills in operation, one at either end of the serving area. Entrance to the park has also been improved.

A view across the lake to the installation - 'The Clearing' created by Alex Hartley and Tom James as a collaborative artwork.  The little white dots on the left of the photograph below were actually free ranging chickens, that were entertaining everyone at the entrance when we arrived with their antics as they scrabbled about around and on the picnic tables.

Autumn has arrived

It was such a lovely morning that I took myself off for a long walk starting at the Wych Cutting and walking through the woods on the Malvern side of the hills back to North Hill and then down through the Quarry car park back home.  Still lots of leaves on the trees, but plenty underfoot too.  Saw a Green Woodpecker which was a lovely sight.

View from North Hill over Leigh Sinton

Yesterday we went to Compton Verney to the Textile Fair and I discovered a willow sculpture I had not seen before which is positioned in the field on the right hand side as you walk from the car park to the house. It is called 'Drift' and was created by Laura Ellen Bacon. It was quite interesting with lovely shapes within it and I presume it will eventually decay and breakdown.

Where to start ......

Over the past few days I have had a friend to stay and we have done so many fantastic things.  We went to Compton Verney last Wednesday to see the current exhibition 'The Arts & Craft House Then and Now' plus a wonderful silversmithing exhibition - 'The Hart Silversmiths - A Living Tradition'.  We started off outside and came across this ...

She is the 'Kern Baby' created by Faye Claridge.  You can see the height of her when compared to my diminutive friend who just happened to walk into frame.  The Kern Baby is 5 metres high, my friend is around 5ft!

Bad Hair Day? Her hair would originally have had ears of corn but they have all gone now and the stalks are all that remain.

Next was the William Morris Wild Flower Meadow created by Dan Pearson and designed on the 'Trellis' wallpaper pattern.

Last but not least I found a couple of textured things to inspire me

some kind of dandelion clock

Bejewelled home of a Tunnel Spider