Monday 9 September 2013

GENIUS LOCI - SEPTEMBER 2013

Beachy Head, East Sussex.

Genius loci, or in contemporary parlance the spirit of a place, is an intangible thing though I think we all experience it. I wonder if it is partly a self-induced reaction or emotion, in some way triggered by our expectations, memories and preconceived ideas. The fact remains that the atmosphere of a place affects us strongly, sometimes taking us by surprise. Wherever we go on our antiquing trips, Mr N has a genius for capturing this spirit in photographs so that we can relive it whenever we choose.
                                                                               


Eastbourne Pier, carrying on regardless.



Chilling out at Chiddingstone Castle, Kent.



The North Gallery, Petworth House, gloriously Georgian.



Sussex Sunshine - Alfriston Clergy House & Monk's House, Rodmell.



Doing the Sandwalk, together, at Charles Darwin's Down House in Kent.

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16 comments:

  1. If Mr N isn't a photographer I think he missed his vocation. You're right, all the photos have such amazing atmosphere and a little something extra that most of us wouldn't think to have done, the open gate, the statue in shadow in front of the painting. They are all very evocative.

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    1. I think the great thing is the advent of digital photography - instant fun if you have an eye for a good shot. We can all have a go at being Cartier Bresson!

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  2. Congratulations Mr. N - a great bunch of photographs - I love the one of the children on the bridge evoking for me Peter Pan, and the lovely gentleman from another era taking his morning constitutional.

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    1. Mr N tries to capture the moment without obsessively living it through the camera. We think photography makes you more visually aware which must be a good thing.

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  3. I agree! There's almost always a bit of unexpected in Mr.Ns' photos.....and usually a slight bit of humor. I always love it when I catch just a small glimpse of you Mrs.N. This batch is exceptional.

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  4. Really wonderful photos...the pier ones are my favourites, but all, just fabulous.

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    1. The weather was stiflingly hot that week but Eastbourne pier stayed shrouded in mist until late morning making it look extra Victorian!

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  5. Nilly, I've always loved your blog for its photos almost as much as its words. You are a genius to allow these photos to speak for themselves today. You and Mr N could (should!) produce the most perfect coffee table book (remember those?) that I would love to pick up every single day. I have the feeling that a blog isn't doing you enough favours. Find a publisher immediately!! I'm serious - you two have amazing talents. Love you both. Axxx

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    1. You make us blush! As I said in a comment above, digital photography makes for instant gratification which is great for Mr N - even as an oldie he suffers a bit from ADHD! (I am too cruel - he has a gift for spotting a good shot).

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  6. I love the way photography captures a moment, sometimes so fleeting you may almost miss it. These captured moments are wonderful for you to look through on dark winter evenings. Some incredible photography, the ones on the pier especially. I love to close my eyes and try to remember a view in my minds eye to revisit whenever I want, when Mr. T lived in the highlands I did it many times. I love the image of you both in shadow. I do enjoy your blog posts Nilly. I agree, you should both compile a memory book including your photographs and memoirs of your travels in the antiques world. Jayne x

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    1. Thank you Jane! By the way I've just been looking at your lovely Etsy shop - hope it is going well.

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  7. I was prompted to comment on your mention of genius loci....I recently went to Ipswich to collect an antique painting and rested for a while in christchurch park.Its very old, full of huge chestnut trees and two war memorials.

    Half asleep in the sun I sat up to see many WW1 soldiers advancing through the trees!After about 30 seconds they just faded away.
    I am not religious, have no belief in ghosts etc,tend to call a spade a spade type of person, so I am still wondering why this happened to me.

    If you are ever there please take a photo and see what you get!

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    1. How amazing! I'm very sceptical too, but I think there is a half-waking state where dreams seem real. Perhaps this is the explanation. Nevertheless we'll have cameras at the ready if we ever visit Christchurch Park!

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  8. I'm with Annie on this... great photo's and your posts tell us so much in so few words. Mr N. obviously has a good eye... but wait..... he chose you, so that in itself speaks oceans.

    LLX

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    1. I think he would say I pounced on him - he was(is)gorgeous!

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