I took some of my pictures to Wetherby Craft Fair yesterday, these range in size from postcard to A3+ [330mm x 483mm] and are views of local scenes and some other prominent features that have caught my eye whilst out and about. There was good deal of interest but the throughput of visitors was not as I had hoped, it was a lovely day, for a change, and most people were interested in outdoor activities, and no doubt awaiting the evening England v USA match.
Various pubs in the town centre were bristling with flags and other regalia, to tempt viewers to an evening beer fest, whilst watching England triumph far away on savannah bushveld at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. The game didn’t play according to form, but troubled starts are not uncommon for England, who are regularly so highly rated by the press that they almost never live up to expectations.
Information on the Header Picture
Taken in the early morning on the road from Aberford to Lotherton [Lotherton Lane], just after you go over the crest of the hill the road dips down into a hollow on a right curve and then bends left as it heads to the junction with Collier Lane. To the left this lonely clump of mature beech trees standing proud against the morning sky, I had to quickly park the car and get the camera out! The full A3+ picture is a real stunner, there is something about sunrise and sunset which is so evocative.
Scarthingwell Lake
Scarthingwell, which in my view is a great name, is to the east of Saxton, it is on the limits of Barkston Ash and at one time had an old mansion on the site which is now long gone, although the associated stone Catholic Church is extant and is in weekly use. Another good feature is the local golf course, which I am told is a pay and play course, don’t quote me on that, as I have not enquired for a round of golf. But this picture, with different sky colours from the header picture, was taken on a cold February morning a few years back. The purple-red hue was very dramatic and reflected nicely on the lake.
Coldhill Pond
Coldhill, another great name, can be found on the road from Lotherton to Sherburn in Elmet, on a tricky bend, there at the foot of a small incline is this pond nestling in the valley bottom. It always has some birds taking advantage of the serenity of the place and first thing in the morning it catches the rays from the rising sun very well!
This is not a picture featuring trees!
The above picture is of the working mechanism of the clock which is in the tower of Aberford [former] Almshouses, I have modified it in Photoshop to make it “Grunge” style, i.e. making it look more gritty and harsh, which it seems to me to portray. I can only imagine how long it took to manufacture by the skilled artisans of the mid nineteenth century. The Almshouses were built to commemorate the deaths of the two elder brothers and father of Isabella and Elizabeth Gascoigne of Parlington Hall. Following the worst year they could have experienced, first their eldest brother Thomas died in London, 24th April 1842 then the second brother, Richard, died on Christmas Day 1842 and finally their father Richard Oliver Gascoigne passed away, albeit 80, on 14th April 1843. How tough life was in those times.
Yes more Trees
This particular photo I printed on glass and backed up with a special coating to prevent it being affected by damp, it is A3 and can be used in tiled positions like kitchens or bathrooms, literally used like a ceramic tile. The picture is of the driveway looking towards Aberford, all the trees, beech, are now at the extreme end of the lifespan, around 200 years old, these were most likely planted by Sir Thomas Gascoigne around the time of the Triumphal Arch, [circa 1783] Some have already been cut down as they are considered a potential danger to passers by, new ones have been planted to eventually re-create the line, but it may never look the same, so this picture captures a moment in time, which I like to savour.
Micklegate, York
Moving away from Aberford, here is a great view of Micklegate, the sky was ideal for an emotive shot, sorry about the red refuse bin, but you can’t arrange everything! I love York, it is a terrific blend of many eras, and is the better for it. Only the advent of modern town planning has reduced its appeal. Damn Beaurocrats!
Wharf Valley
Here is a panorama of Wharf Valley, taken using my panoramic head from the Otley Chevin, the full size image show the scene far better, but this does give an impression.
Craft Fair Exhibitors
The craft fair featured some good crafters, an expression I hate, but these are all people who make things, and that is a very good thing!
Candice Craft Emporium offers a range of Jewellery, Aromatherapy Spa, Iris Folding Crafts, and Greetings Cards.
Caroline Lee Ceramics unusual ceramic designs worthy of a serious look!
Myroo Skincare by Rachael Dunseath offers a great range of carefully selected home made skin care products, all fully tested to every stringent requirement of the EU!
The Clarke Foley Centre Ilkley, offers loads of stands all under one roof, and the lady who organises the event does great costume jewellery!
Wonderous Wood, A perfect gift for everyone. Hand cut wooden puzzles and jigsaws, perfect as toys or just sitting on a shelf looking pretty. email wondrouswood-puzzles@yahoo.co.uk
Janet Orme is a botanical artist, she does some great work, I was reminded of the meticulous detail that Darwin went to on his voyages on the Beagle! visit www.janetorme.co.uk for more details.
Last but not least Quernus Crafts, polymer clay creations lots of fun animals all suitable for that small gift you need to find for someone special, so much so I had to get one for my wife!
Part two with the rest of my current pictures for sale will follow shortly!