OK, so here’s one of the more curious of London’s accoutrements …
It is the Buxton Memorial Fountain and you can find it in Victoria Tower Gardens, just south of the Houses of Parliament wedged between Millbank and the river.
Apparently it was originally constructed in Parliament Square but moved in the 1940s and placed in its present position in 1957. It was commissioned by Charles Buxton MP to commemorate the emancipation of slaves in 1834, dedicated to his father Thomas Fowell Buxton, and designed by Gothic architect Samuel Sanders Teulon (1812–1873) in 1865.
It surely has to go down as one of London’s more outré and colourful adornments. Not only does it have that “spire” of coloured encaustic(?) tiles, but it is carved with various animals including some very dragon-like iguanas/lizards.
Not the best of photos as it was taken on a horridly grey and, as can be seen by the puddles, rather wet Sunday morning.
These are my three orchids (all commercial Phalaenopsis hybrids) which I wanted to get as a group. This was best done after they’d been watered (a weekly soak) so they’re in the shower. The lighting is a mix of natural (grey, evening) daylight and the bathroom “white” fluorescent. Not the best of pictures, but at least something more cheerful than the greyness outside.
Another in my occasional series documenting some of the underbelly of Britain. Britain which we wouldn’t like visitors to see and which we wish wasn’t there. The trash, abused, decaying, destitute and otherwise buggered parts of our environment. Those parts which symbolise the current economic malaise; parts which, were the country flourishing, wouldn’t be there, would be better cared for, or made less inconvenient.
These two closed and uncared for shops are at Greenford Broadway, although in fairness the pet shop has moved to better placed premises 100 yards round the corner.
Another in my occasional series documenting some of the underbelly of Britain. Britain which we wouldn’t like visitors to see and which we wish wasn’t there. The trash, abused, decaying, destitute and otherwise buggered parts of our environment. Those parts which symbolise the current economic malaise; parts which, were the country flourishing, wouldn’t be there, would be better cared for, or made less inconvenient.
This decrepit gateway is on the North Circular (A406) just south of the Hanger Lane Gyratory. Such a shame as it could look so imposing.
This is the original orchid I had which has now been in bloom for four weeks. Currently there are 8 flowers open (each getting on for 10cm wide!) and at least another 6 to come. It is absolutely magnificent.
Noreen happened to be in our local M&S yesterday and spotted that they had some smallish orchids at half price (like £6 instead of £12!). So she bought me one.
It is currently sitting on my desk awaiting a saucer to sit in. And it definitely cheers up a dull wet day.
Another in my occasional series documenting some of the underbelly of Britain. Britain which we wouldn’t like visitors to see and which we wish wasn’t there. The trash, abused, decaying, destitute and otherwise buggered parts of our environment. Those parts which symbolise the current economic malaise; parts which, were the country flourishing, wouldn’t be there, would be better cared for, or made less inconvenient.
This is the Greenwood pub in Northolt, about a mile from where I live. It’s no surprise it closed as a pub because although often used for filming it also had a reputation (how justified I don’t know) for regular drugs raids. It has been in this state for a couple of years. I’m told that there is (or was) a potential buyer interested in rejuvenating it as a restaurant, although what business they’ll find at this location is an open question. What makes things more interesting is that the building is Grade II listed by English Heritage, so the exterior, and reading the listing maybe also the interior, are protected and so can’t have too much done to them. Such a shame because it is a good building which ought to be able to be reused and could look quite stunning. Let’s just hope McDonald’s don’t get their hands on it!
Eccentric looks at life through the thoughts of a retired working thinker
