Time has gotten away from me and now there are things I wish I'd done. One of those things is reading more books. I've spent too much time away from books, much too much time, and now I regret it. As a child and young adult I was an avid reader. I read mostly novels, lots of mysteries and the popular top ten books of the day. Then life got in the way and reading all but drifted away. Actually the reading drifted away but the books didn't drift away from my book shelves. I've made a plan to remedy the reading part by pulling up a chair now and again and doing some reading. I also plan on reading more varied topics too, such as art, history, travel, and others.
While I've been packing I've been discovering books I wanted to read tucked away here and there which I never picked up. Today I found The English Lakes written by William T. Palmer and illustrated by A. Heaton Cooper among my ceramics books. I don't think I intended to actually read this book, but I was attracted to the wonderful watercolor landscapes plates, 31 color illustrations, which are included in the book. Edwardian and Victorian descriptions of the Lakes District in England are detailed.
The Old Ferry, Windermere
Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge, Windermere
The book was originally published in 1905, but my edition is from 1945. On the inside cover is written in ink "with Best Wishes, from Muriel, May 7, 1945". Apparently Muriel purchased the book as a gift for someone that year. Interestingly when I open the book the sweet smell of a woman's perfume emanates from the pages. If I were a perfumer I dare say I could identify the fragrance. I like to think of it as a fragrance from 1945. The essential oil content would have to be very high to last that long.
Grasmere Church
I was surprised to learn about Heaton Cooper Studio is still in existence today in the village of Grasmere in the heart of the English Lakes District. There is a gallery and an art shop which continues to be run by family members to this day. Here's a list and description of the family artists which you can read.
Grange in Borrowdale
There is a Lakes District National Park and I couldn't help but think of my friends, Kitty Shepherd and Peter Gregory, wondering what knowledge they might have about the lakes. I think this would be a wonderful place to take a vacation. Stay tuned for a never ending variety of topics which seem to be forthcoming of their own accord here on my blog. Have a good weekend.
