These two gargoyles have such a sense of fun about them. I imagine the mason who carved them loved his work. It's amazing that they have survived. If you look closely, you will see traces of paint. A gargoyle is high up on a building and is to funnel away rain water. (Think of the church gargoyle in Thomas Hardy's "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" where it channels rainwater straight onto poor dead Fanny's grave).
They are made from oolitic limstone, which is found in the West Country, so the stone must have been imported from there. Carmarthen was a busy shipping port in the past, trading with Bristol (edge of the West Country). These were once in the garden of a house at Johnstown (Rhydygors House), but I'm not sure where they were used when in situ.
Two cases of items with Carmarthen connections. Above, I believe these were associated with Carmarthen Gaol. Below, Victorian wedding gowns which survived down the years.
A bread oven and Medieval ceramics which have been found in the town.
A photo of a photo - aerial view of the Towy valley with Dryslywn Castle in the foreground, and the meanders of the River Towy heading towards Carmarthen.
A view of the mouth of the Towy meeting the sea at Llandsteffan with the castle behind the cows.
I think this is Iron Age and there are facial features carved onto this hunk of stone.
Another photo of a photo, this one showing the beauty of the Brecon Beacons.
Amazing works of art from the county - the Welsh love spoons are very ornate and I believe may have been made for an Eistedfodd competition.
The details above of the contents of the photo below. The costrel in the middle is just like the ones I have a small collection of.
Well, it is raining, but I had better gird my loins and get ready to go into town to pick up Danny, who is going to help us move bedroom furniture this morning so I can carry on with the decorating in there.
So far . . .
The crushed raspberry is taking some covering - a coat of very light off-white and then the blue.
I am not a bit tired of the photos, so if you've got more--bring them on.
ReplyDeleteI have indeed my dear. It is a very interesting little Museum, and I can't wait until Brecon finishes its refit and opens again.
DeleteOh the history. Not the painting. Too much work, but I love the color.
ReplyDeleteEverywhere has history. Native American history is fascinating too, and the artifacts and sites which have survived. I am the chief painter here at all times, but even if he wanted to my OH couldn't paint right now due to a frozen shoulder. Glad you like the blue - we both went "that one" when looking at the charts.
DeleteI am enjoying the museum photos, but a bit behind. I was quite taken with the two embroidery pieces. I plan to go back and really study them by zooming in closer. The kitchen with the beautiful old ranges are a favorite, and I am in agreement to fire the maid. :~) And, I would really like to see the Victorian Wedding gowns. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to study the cloth and the stitches? I hope you are enjoying the rainy day. Good luck with the moving of furniture and the decorating.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are enjoying them too Chip. I couldn't take flash photos of the wedding gowns, but may go back and ask if I can just take the one for a friend in America. I'll certainly try and get more of a close-up for you. The furniture moving went well - a strong son is a great help!
DeleteSecond gargoyle looks like something from The Simpsons
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it?! Makes you wonder if there is a subliminal "daft face" in people's minds.
DeleteIsn't it odd that a paint with 'red' pigment needs extra coats when painted onto the wall, but also needs extra to cover it up well?
ReplyDeleteI've collected a few sample paint chips to consider for the new house, but suppose when it comes to it i won't do anything very innovative.
I enjoyed the look at the museum collections--and now I know the real purpose of a gargoyle--lovely word, by the way.
Oh gosh! Just love those gargoyles. Thanks so much for showing the museum photos I have really enjoyed them :)
ReplyDelete