The Masters House

This is another part of the Alms House complex - this time the Masters House. The door was fascinating with its series of locks from the original iron lock to a modern dead-lock. I'm glad they didn't spoil the history by taking the old locks off. Somehow Jeremy and I started talking about wood engravings and he gave me the book "Nature's Engraver; A Biography of Thomas Bewick". Waiting times at airports on my way home were not nearly as tedious having such an interesting book to read.

Alms House at Salisbury Cathedral

I wonder how long ago these Alms Houses were built? Their architecture was most interesting especially the doors and windows. I was introduced to Jeremy Ames, The Master of Alms, who is an artist and collector of pottery etc. He had some wonderful pieces by Bernard Leach, Cardew, from Harry and May Davis and others. He and Mike Braisher have had a couple of joint exhibitions and it was Mike and Annie who took me to visit. Annie is the person in the entry to the Alms House.

The Last of the Salisbury Images

Although I still have many images of Salisbury Cathedral I think something different is now called for. This gateway is apparently very ancient and one wonders how many famous or infamous people may have passed through it. The Alms House was also quite old as this wall indicates - I will show a couple more pictures of the Alms House next time.

12th. Century Clock at Salisbury Cathedral

Clocks have always interested me and to see this one that was made so long ago was great. It never ceases to amaze me the ingenuity shown in the construction of such a complicated mechanism. The timing of "Calls to Worship" must have been very important in those ancient times.

Stained Glass at Salisbury Cathedral

A small digital camera is probably not the best for photographing such magnificent windows, however, it is nice to have a record of some of them. I am not sure whether these windows have been replaced at any time or are from the early days of the cathedral - either way they are very beautiful.

Ancient Floor Tiles

These decorated clay tiles date from the very early part of the construction of Salisbury Cathedral. I had not realised that English slip-ware was made so early. The stone floor was wonderfully laid and the wear of many footsteps over the centuries added to its beauty. There were also many tomb stones set in the floors that people just seemed to walk over but, out of respect, I always walked around.

Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral is very large, very old and very beautiful. Its history begins about the 12th century and it was built over about 300 years. Even with modern building practices the construction of the arches and ceilings would be a challenge. In New Zealand we have a department of Occupational Safety and Health that control things like climbing ladders, building scaffolding, etc. They would be hard pressed to make safety regulations for a building like the Salisbury Cathedral.

Salisbury Cathedral

I thought I had some pictures of Mike's pots but I cannot locate them. Do take a look at his work at www.mikebraisherceramics.co.uk as he make some fantastic large platters amongst other things. Mike and Annie took me to see the Salisbury Cathedral which was quite close to their home. The spire is the first view I had of the building and then the whole Cathedral came into view. In New Zealand we do not have buildings anywhere near the age of this marvellous structure. I was fascinated with its age and methods of construction as well as its beauty.

A Wonderful Time in the UK

My overnight flight from Dulles Airport to Heathrow in the UK was as pleasant as such flights can be. A window seat and an empty seat between myself and a very pleasant English woman. At Heathrow I was met by Mike and Annie Braisher who had had to set out very early in the morning to get to Heathrow in time. They live at Clydesdale near Lyndhurst just beside the New Forest. Their dog Biggles loved his walks in this area. He was far to big and slow to catch any rabbits but that did not stop him from chasing them.

Washington was Wet.

As I had neither coat or an umbrella there was no chance of seeing much of Washington City in the rain. These two photographs were grab shots from the roadside and from the taxi. Maybe there will be a next time when I can explore the city when the is sun shining.

More Pots at the Freer Gallery

The slab bottle, labelled as "Shodai Ware", is similar to ones I used to make, although mine were taller and thinner. The angled shoulders were challenging at first but once a pattern was made and corrected then all went well. This one may have been press moulded, rather than slab built, as is often the case in Japan. The maker of the tea bowl was not displayed but it was a lovely bowl.

Some Pots in the Freer Gallery

I was able to take a few photographs at the Freer Gallery in Washington. Had I known in advance, I could have arranged to go to the basement to see some of their collection - particularly some of the Japanese ceramics. The staff were most apologetic when I asked as the curator of ceramics was on his own and very busy at the time I visited. It seems that a phone call first to Mr. Tim Kirk at 202/633-0344 and you can make arrangements to visit the collection. Hope this helps other potters visiting Washington.

Washington DC

I arrived at Dulles Airport shortly after seven in the morning and tried to find train or bus schedules to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. No one seemed to be sure so I went by taxi which was expensive but pleasant. It was a very wet day so spending time in the galleries was ideal. To be in time for my scheduled departure from Dulles I needed to return to the airport by 3pm so I had four hours to enjoy their displays before the taxi arrived to take me back. These photos are of some of the buildings - the main building of the Smithsonian, the entrance to the Freer Gallery and an inner courtyard at the Freer.

Farewell to Vermont

It is time to say farewell to my lovely friends, Christine and Robert Compton, and to the wonderful experience of seeing some of the delights of Vermont. An overnight stay in a motel in Burlington ready for an early flight to Washington DC at 5.40am in the morning to arrive at Dulles airport at 7.10am. Why do airlines do this to their customers?