The Arts & Crafts Movement

I was interested to learn that The Arts & Crafts movement is celebrating 150 years since its beginnings when William Morris founded Morris & Co in 1861. The March issue of Country Life (British Edition) includes an inspiring article titled "The Art of Craft" which pays tribute to William Morris and the Arts & Crafts movement. According to the article William Morris "set out to champion craftsmanship and quality in design, something that was waning in the wake of industrialisation".
William Morris famously said "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful". I like that sentiment.............
In our times it is wonderful to see an increasing number of artistians and craftsmen incorporating old & ancient skills with modern technology to produce a wonderful range of hand made items.

I've included some images that depict the Arts & Crafts movement................



In 2009 I visited the William Morris Gallery in the outer London suburb Walthamstowe. William Morris lived in this house in his younger day. In recent times it has been established as a gallery devoted to William Morris displaying a collection illustrating his life, achievements & influence. If you are interested in the Arts & Crafts movement and are ever in London it is worth a visit.

Of special interest is William Morris's Australian connection - the Art Gallery of South Australia has one of the biggest collections of William Morris's work outside of the UK.

Enough of my ramblings about the Arts & Crafts movement........................today is Good Friday, so I hope you all enjoy a happy, safe & renewing Easter time. K

Vintage Finds....

Recently I've been perusing the growing number of eclectic shops in the Surry Hills suburb of Sydney, selling a wonderful & diverse range of vintage goods. My major find was this vintage Australian made factory mannequin from the 1930's - 1940s. I purchased it from David Met Nicole, a wonderful shop in Cleveland St Surry Hills selling a wide range of unusual & eclectic items. http://www.davidmetnicole.com/

The mannequin has already found its place in my new home in the Hunter Valley. It's standing in my Studio wearing my grandmother's wedding dress.

The mannequin provides an ideal display piece for this beautiful dress which my grandmother Margaret Ellen Hogan wore for her marriage to George Ryan in August 1912. Overall the dress is in wonderful condition given it is nearly 100 years since it was made. I just love the lace on the bodice and sleeves. 

Planning & packing for my move to the Hunter is underway and the removalist has been booked for May 2nd!!
Stay posted........ K

On the Verge of the Next Adventure........

Dear Reader, I'm excited to report that my Sydney apartment has been sold, the contracts exchanged on Friday! This was a wonderful result given it sold within a few day of going on the market......  Isn't that signboard with the SOLD sign in place a wonderful sight??????

Needless to say I'm very excited & looking forward to time for creative endeavours, decorating my new home, some travel & other life adventures.

To excite my creative juices I spent this morning roaming around the Kirribilli Art & Design Markets which are held on the second Sunday of the month. The market has a vibrant atmosphere with a designers & artisans selling a wide range of goods including clothing, jewellery, art work, fashion & homeware accessories. Great food is on sale to be enjoyed listening to live music! A visit is highly recommended - see their website for more info: http://www.kncsydney.org/index.php?content=artdesignmarket.html

Stay posted for news! K

Early Morning Inspiration....

Yesterday I enjoyed an early morning walk along the Cremorne Point Foreshore Reserve - a 3 km walk along the Sydney harbour foreshore from Cremorne to Mosman offering spectacular views from North Sydney to the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Sydney city skyline, Woolloomooloo Bay, Fort Denison and other Sydney landmarks. This is a beautiful walk on any day however on this autumn morning the early morning light was dancing through gaps in tree foliage and the sweet perfume of orange blossom filled the air.

The walk must surely offer some of the best views in the world...... spectacular panaromas of Sydney, yachts moored in Mosman Bay , ferries passing by taking people to work in the city or maybe tourists beginning a day of sight seeing with a relaxing ferry trip across Sydney Harbour. And there's more.......the reserve also offers the opportunity for a swim in the salt-water MacCallum pool with the city skyline as a backdrop. This pool has been used by local families for around 100 years.

For those Sydney siders & others who not able to enjoy the walk in person I took a few photos along the way for your enjoyment.......................

Spectacular panoramas of Sydney......

Yachts moored in Shell Cove .............

The MacCallum pool - imagine enjoying a swim on a hot day with these spectacular view in sight.......

I hope you enjoyed the photos. I'm sure you will agree that the reserve is a credit to those who care for it including Bush Care & the local council staff.  Until the next blog........ K

PS: Fingers crossed - my Sydney apartment is just about sold........ More news tomorrow!