Piper Papers

GRAND OPENING

2009-09-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

Frances Spalding (see blog dated 14 March 2009) giving her talk; below signing Charles' book
Charles enjoying a brief rest and a glass of ...
Barbara Merry chats to Ian, the Goldmark Gallery researcher

Frances signs books above, whilst below Brian Merry talks to Sue Goldmark

Jeremy and Pam (see blog dated 11 July 2008) queue for Kate's banquet, seen below

People watching our DVD and Ian (see blog dated 10 June 2008)

Orde Levinson above, Oli below (see blog dated 19 October 2008)

Mike and Frances at the opening

We have finally made it! Libby drew the short straw for the day's zero hero and driver. We had hoped for a day off but no, Charles filmed the proceedings whilst Libby photographed. No rest for ...
We arrived in Uppingham just about opening time and people were already arriving. Over the next couple of hours the numbers grew, there must have been about 300 people in the galleries, absolutely staggering and we met up with many friends we had made over the past 18 months. The ambiance was terrific, very friendly, aided not least by Kate's wonderful buffet. Frances Spalding (whose splendid book John Piper, Myfanwy Piper. Lives in Art was being launched) was indefatigable, gave two talks and signed books endlessly, engaging with every buyer personally, absolutely stunning! And the legendary Orde Levinson, he of the Piper prints Catalogue Raisonne, also attended - quite a coup.

Roger and Garry, our Morris Minor Men (see blog dated 25 August 2009)

The DVD can be obtained from the Goldmark Gallery, Uppingham, Rutland, Tel 01572 821424, email info@goldmarkart.com, or see their website www.goldmarkart.com

What next? Who knows. We're open to offers. We make a good team, inspire each other and spark the imagination - so if you're interested - you know who to contact!!

lastminute.com

2009-09-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well, what have we been doing since the last blog entry? You may well ask, and since you do:
LIBBY scripted the Extras films and made slide shows of original Piper works and location stills.
CHARLES made adjustments to DVD, recut parts, added new credits, titivations, then edited extras, added visual material and music, designed opening and closing credits for extras based on Piper's marbled papers (note green for GO and red for END - ultra clever this stuff!), downloaded plug-in for jolly frames on extras, sound mixed levels throughout. He also transferred music from suitable LPs, each more than 50 years old (to by-pass copyright laws) on to the computer, cleaned same of clicks etc and then extracted 5-6 minute sections for the slide shows.
At the 11th hour (literally) his negotiations with Shell came good and they allowed us not only to use parts of the film Crown of Glass (about Liverpool Met Cathedral) in our main film, but also to add the entire Shell documentary to our DVD - a HUGE bonus! Not least because it's fantastic (almost unknown) footage about an amazing project.
Once all the sections were complete Charles then built the DVD (think LEGO writ large), imported assets, 12 tracks average, marbled papers added for menu pages - for example the opening, extras, slide shows and the sub sections (Piper website and Blog [THAT'S US!]), DVD access software for non Mac users. He also had to produce and add a short Goldmark Gallery promo at the last minute.
And then the testing, the endless testing and re-jigging, which went on and ON and ON and ON and ON until 1am Sunday 27 September (each change takes about 4 hours computer processing time, so not something to be taken lightly). And when is the opening? Oh, a mere 10 hours from now! Perfection run rampant!

What next?

2009-09-05T02:14:00.000-07:00

You may well ask! There's still most of the captions to add, some more sound tweaking, eagle eyed Charles spotted a frame out of place, and there's the extras to do - slide shows of prints, originals and location photographs, films of the King George VI story (unlucky with the weather), Piper personal (amusing stories), the entire Curwen Press interview with Stanley Jones which will be of great interest to printmakers, and the symbolism of Oundle windows and Chichester tapestry. And all this has to be completed by Tuesday 22 September, so we've both got our work cut out - what's new pussycat?

JUGDEMENT DAY

2009-09-04T01:59:00.000-07:00

We decided to put in a new Osbert voice because he sounded too much like the Piper voice, so after a few circuits of plum digestion, Charles managed a well modulated Sitwell as oppose to his kindly and somewhat tentative Piper. Charles then started serious work on sound levels and since he is somewhat of a perfectionist he couldn't even spare the time for a lunch break so a sandwich was delivered to his lair. The ongoing DVD was finally completed and rendered and a copy made by 4.15.
Twenty minutes later Mike Goldmark and his son Jay arrived to view the film which we watched in the Electrical Shadow Digital Cinema. Luckily they were both most impressed, felt it set a new standard for art films, best work Charles has ever done for Goldmark, felt it was hugely informative but without being didactic and also very entertaining.
So a definitive thumbs up and we have not been thrown to the lions!
And they also appreciated the meal Libby cooked for them afterwards.
PHEW!

we must be really ...

2009-09-03T01:51:00.000-07:00

Today we finished double checking Chichester, Aldeburgh and Venice. Then back to the start adding music and sound effects throughout, checking the sound levels. The tweaking stage is akin to editing a manuscript, dotting the 'i's', checking the spelling, punctuation etc - a very long winded business and made more difficult by the fact that there are sometimes up to 10 different tracks to co-ordinate. Various changes had to be made to my narration which involved more sound recording downstairs. We finally finished putting all 16 sections together at 5pm and after a quick cuppa dashed back upstairs to watch the whole thing through for the first time. It's 75 minutes long! But pretty good we think, although we are getting to the stage of not being able to see the wood for the trees.

no rest for ...

2009-09-02T01:43:00.000-07:00

Having risen at 6.45 to get to Epsom in time for the lecture (bearing in mind possible delays on the M25) and then driven up to Film Farm without a lunch break, Libby arrived ready for a restorative cup of tea at 4.30pm. We then clambered up to the edit suite and spent the next 3 hours reviewing Charles' new intro, his Spitfire filming and the added musical interludes and then double checked up to the Stowe section.

viewing

2009-08-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

This morning we went through all the sections in turn noting any changes/alterations required. This included the intro which threw Libby into a panic because she envisaged every section was about to be completely overhauled. However this proved to be the only major disruption, and we feel tentatively pleased with our efforts.
Libby left after an espresso at 1.30 to drive to Clevedon to cook a celebratory meal for her father-in-law's 91st birthday, then drive to Port Isaac to celebrate a friend's 60th, then to visit the Eden Project, back to Clevedon, drive back to Kent Monday, catch up with correspondence and washing Tuesday, give a lecture in Epsom Wednesday morning before driving back to Film Farm for more tweaking work before we show the film to Mike Goldmark Friday 4th. Scary or what!
Meanwhile Charles has to battle with his VAT and then start putting the sequences together, do all the sound levels and add music.
No rest for ...

epical editing

2009-08-26T08:51:00.000-07:00

Today we finally got masses of editing done - starting early and at the beginning, tweaking bits we weren't satisfied with, adding various images and yesterday's efforts, and completing the Super 8 sections which necessitated changes in the script which then of course necessitated sound recordings - since these are made in the cinema on the ground floor and the edit suite is on the 3rd floor we both got in a lot of exercise (which Tigger needed because she'd discovered her trainers weren't packed so she hasn't been able to go for her daily run). We even managed to finish the Venice section - so all sections completed. Yippee!
Although we were both so shattered by the close of the day that Yippee's weren't really vocalised.

Magnificent Morris Minor Moments

2009-08-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Today started bright and early, and the weather was decent too. We packed the car and tootled round to Garry and Cheryl Steele's house where their black Morris Minor, beautifully shiny, was perkily awaiting its outing. Unfortunately Garry wasn't feeling too well so his fellow Morris Minor Mates, Roger Buck and Sandy Hamilton, had agreed to be the stars of the show. And what stars they were - suitably dressed in shirt and tie, blazers, tweed jackets and with a vast array of headgear - charming, affable, ready for any challenge and all conducted with happy smiling faces. We had a fabulous morning, although I was a trifle worried when Charles decided to film whilst sitting on the back of the moving car, and the camera didn't appreciate the huge splash as the pair drove fast through the ford (but it looks great on film!). Charles got some wonderful footage, just a shame we haven't space for more in the final film.
Returned to Film Farm, Libby changed into her black garb, out again to film her speaking to camera.
Returned to Film Farm to grab a bite to eat and discovered Pepper had left Charles a little present - a mouse carefully deposited in his clog!
The morning's filming had then to be logged and processed during which time we both did other necessary tasks. Finally returned to editing, mainly Super 8 stuff.

yet more editing ...

2009-08-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

Following the last edit session Charles was again invaded by Jobear for 3 days, followed by a working weekend with Carole Pegg and her husband. Meanwhile Libby caught up with work, tried valiantly to curb the excesses of her garden, took photos of Romney and Dungeness, found some relevant images in the Westminster Art Library and completed her monthly mother visit (via Southwell Minster to look at a Reyntiens window - beautiful place).
We reconvened this afternoon but progress was slow due to repeated incoming telephone calls and a visit from Neo trying to find Christmas decorations (don't ask!) It also transpired that not all of Venice had been logged but this could not proceed whilst editing so the Mac had to be left on all night to slog through everything. Anyway we finally managed to finish the Aldeburgh section before a late supper.
The other task on the agenda was to charge batteries and sort out necessary equipment for Tuesday - a date with a Morris Minor! We're filming the car for the Shell Guide section - the occupants are of course John Piper and John Betjeman.

edit, edit, edit ...

2009-08-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

This session lasted 9-15 August, long days ending about 8 or 9 pm, Charles' shoulders giving him jip, generally exhausting - but we're within sight of finishing at last (although then there's the fine tuning). We watched the South Bank film about Piper and Charles practised the Piper voice for quotable quotes. Also a film of Piper by John Burder which is pure gold-dust and we've been able to use certain bits of footage - a fantastic addition to the film.
Another fun time was had watching the Super 8 films and putting together sequences for the start of each topographical area. Charles has a number of Super 8 cameras and as we toured the country would shoot off some film (as in REAL film - not this digital malarky). The completed films were specially processed and then telecined and they have a wonderful quality to them, quite different from the digital. We found some emotive music for the section headers and some labelling which makes it look as if Piper had scribbled a note for himself in a writing pad. Great fun and rather magical.
The other highlight of the week was watching the meteorites on Wednesday evening - Charles was hugely irritated because he saw 1 1/2 to my 4 sightings!

even more editing!

2009-07-27T13:29:00.000-07:00

One week free between editing sessions during which time Libby gave another lecture and finished her essay for the Japanese exhibition catalogue whilst Charles worked on his new darkroom and attempted to find his desk under the accumulated papers. Five days editing starting 20 July, not much to report really, except hard work and long hours. Having said which we did watch Betjeman's Metro-land (related to work so we weren't slouching) and Chabrol's Le Boucher, which was a treat (related to the family wedding Libby is attending in France 1 August). Two weeeks before the next session - Libby lecturing and preparing to entertain 8 people prior to the long trip through France with 3 nonegenarians (!) - Charles contending with the Bear and Charlotte. No rest for ...

More editing

2009-07-13T00:56:00.000-07:00

Following another Gourmet Art lecture in Harpenden Libby tootled up to Lincolnshire for the second editing session, the entire script clasped tightly in her hand (well, it was on the lap top anyway). Luckily Charles was impressed with her efforts (she's obviously had a good coach) and the pair launched themsleves into the editing process. First stage, recording Libby's narration which went almost without hitch and then up to the edit suite for 3 days labour intensive effort putting together Brighton, Renishaw, Windsor, Coventry during the war and most of Coventry stained glass. Not a bad start, about 14 minutes total.
We also went to vet a Piper look-alike - only he wasn't, so then back to the drawing board - searching through the huge Spotlight volumes for possible Piper and Betjeman characters. A week's respite. Next scheduled edit 20-23 July.

Editing

2009-06-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

Teotihuacan, Mexico - just to prove Charles did actually go there!

The week following our return from Venice Charles processed all 900 photos and 475 film clips which he handed over to me to name and sort out 5th June before he departed for Mexico the following day - this was no jaunt but a very tiring trip with the British Museum.

Following a drive down to Wales to film Gareth making my stained glass panel, we've been holed up for 2 days getting our heads round Piper once more, and sorting out a running order, following which we put together a starter sequence and actually produced 3 whole minutes of finished film! Yippee! At least we feel we've started on the final production which has to be complete by the end of August allowing tweaking and time to make the DVDs before the grand opening now 27th September.

Libby's job until the next scheduled edit session (9-11 July) is to firm up the film sequence with relevant interviews, film, narrative, images etc. Charles' job should be aiming to recover but he's got a week of Joe the Bear and Charlotte Bach editing in store. No rest for the ...

The highlight of the 2 days was when Charles' latest acquisition arrived from Australia - a soundman hat, so that he can wear headphones whilst also preventing the top of his head and his neck from burning, and there's even a toggle to prevent said hat flying away. Even Libby, who had been hugely sceptical about the accessory, had to admit that it was fit for purpose!

Literary Lions

2009-06-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Remember my blog 25 May declaring the literary lions c/o Goldmark Gallery, Uppingham, were taking over Venice (if not the world) - well - it's OFFICIAL!

Venice Day 5

2009-05-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

This morning we have to pack the bags and vacate the rooms by 10am, but have the techy stuff for filming with us, so a question of logistics. First stop Rialto Market. For one thing we've just realised that Rigby's Ca'da Mosto neighbours our hotel (previous spot on map in wrong place) but is also covered in scaffolding - so what's new - anyway the only place to view same is from Market. Then we think this is also a good place for Libby voice to camera, so she does FB and Piper and decide to leave Rigby for more suitable location - something more cutting edge.
Then down to Academia Bridge for more Rigby shooting and stationary seagulls (Charles has a thing about them and they never fly away, so I am of the belief that they are part of the Biennale art installation, rubber decoys Pritt-sticked to the moorings - but don't let on, I certainly won't). Talking of Biennale's - the submarine we saw yesterday is now morred near Ca' Rezzonica! Libby also spotted a chap in costume talking on his mobile which reminded her of the well known image of the Last Emperor in full regalia chatting on his mobile!

And back to the wonderful gondola yard and this time - sweet success! Not only did the chaps rub the boats down, wander around and look useful - BUT they also launched a new gondola - well you can't say fairer than that! Meanwhile Libby photographed the antiques barge on the canal.
Following this a ham panini for Charles c/o another Brunetti haunt, the charismatic Cantine del Vino gia Schiavi, which he ate route marching back to Academia, boat to San Samuele where more Rigby filming. Back to hotel, a major reshuffle of equipment, and then a couple of hours free until we departed for the plane. Above: Cantine del Vino gia Schiavi
Libby directed footsteps back to the jewellery shop (see Venice day 1) and it turned out the proprietor was also the craftsman, so no wonder the items were extra special and could not be resisted.

An ice cream in Campo Zanipolo, then back to collect the bags, on to the Piazzale Roma, filmed the Rigby chat on the bridge, on to the bus and out to the airport. 900 photographs and 475 film clips in 5 long days!

Above: Charles making a mess as usual, outside Rosa Salva (another Brunetti favourite!)

Farewell Venice, you were truly beautiful, exhausting, but a rare treat, and I will always remember you.

Venice Day 4

2009-05-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Above: No we haven't moved to Switzerland - this is the gondola yard!

Today we are heading for Desdemona's House (Palazzo Contarini Fasan) (FB and Rigby) and the Salute (an iconic symbol for FB and placed in the background of many generic Venetian scenes). Charles got waylaid by men mending street lamps and pile drivers in the vicinity of the Dogano but was finally brought back to reality and wielded round to the other side of the Salute for more (FB) filming (more people blocking lens etc). From there to Guidecca side of Dogana (of course sealed off and undergoing reconstruction or whatever) alongside which was moored hideous Russian millionaire oligarch type yacht. UGH!
Left the trail, along Zattere and back inland to the delightful Campo Barbaro (back of equally delightful C' Dario c/o FB) and Claudia Canestrelli's treasure trove of an antique shop with Bouffon fish prints in old frames, and malachite boxes (too expensive for the likes of us).
Thence along the back of the Guggenheim (lots of over-priced shops as one may imagine), a few wiggles and into Campo S Trovaso, next to which is the gondola boatyard - which FB painted. He must have loved this spot, the yard dating from the 16th century, a wooden chalet from the Dolomites, the same craft and scene existing almost unchanged 100 years since FB first saw it. Magical. And all the sounds which Charles just loves and was about to record when a WI type party invaded the scene and the chaps stopped for lunch!
Give up - so now over to Palanca, where, it being 2pm, we stopped for lunch on the waterfront at what turned out to be an excellent eatery, and reasonable (by Venetian standards) - probably the best meal of the entire trip, Charles having a fish dish and Libby having aubergine and mozzarella salad. We weren't drunk (honestly) but whilst seated we spotted a submarine covered with graffiti gently nudging its way along the Guidecca! (photo follows to prove it!)

From there along the Fondamenta and vaporetta to San Giorgio Maggiore. Here views mainly of St Mark's and Dogana/Salute and back to Redentore and Le Zitelle, plus sound recording.
Above: Charles in obeisance - actually filming water on steps!

Back to St Mark's and Charles decides to do walk-about with the sound equipment whilst Libby guards the bags and takes people shots. A few more obligatory shots from the Riva. Decide to take vaporetto out to the Lido and back, feels like a different land - there's cars for one thing - CARS? A middle aged Italian Mama attached herself to Libby en route and explains everything in detail to a non Italian speaking personage who nevertheless managed (I hope) to sound incredibly interested! Above: Charles having a few minutes well earned rest en route to the Lido, and filming on the waterfront there.
Back to the hotel after another long and exhausting day and thence to local cafe where a rather diappointing meal - but hey, this is Venice and everything has a certain magic, just sitting outside in a pretty square is worth something!

Venice Day 3

2009-05-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

Libby's first expense of the trip - bandages and antiseptic for those lanced blisters - a mere £13! Ouch (in every sense).
Off by 9.30 to the Rialto Market, just fab! Full of local colour, fresh produce, Charles did about 16 clips of the fish alone (will we find a slot for them in any of the proposed films?!). Different varieties of aubergines, wonderful spotted beans, courgette flowers, fresh spring garlic (couldn't resist so smelly bags back to the UK), artichoke hearts ready sliced, herbs, really ugly tomatoes (the sort FB would have loved), tall slim sparrow grass, each peach, pear, plum. We could have spent hours there but had to return to the grindstone.
This involved views of the Rialto Bridge from both sides (Rigby and FB), Mike's logo (again), and Palazzos Dolfin-Manin and Camerlenghi (FB). Same problem in the crowds with people standing right in front of the camera lens, but then Charles did exactly the same to a charming young American lady trying to take a photo of some graffiti. Back to hotel about 1pm to dump stuff, put batteries on charge. Lunch at the obligatory tappas (Tappa Obligatoria), not as good as yesterday, then back to work.
This afternoon deepest darkest Cannaregio, slightly out of the tourist beat which made it even lovelier. First stop opposite San Stae (Piper), then lots of photo opportunities in the Campo de la Maddelena, then back to the waterfront opposite Ca' Pesaro (Piper). Unfortunately a passing wave drenched Charles' clogs and socks (yes, you heard me) and he wimped about it for the remainder of the afternoon. Since it was only 4pm we decided to then tackle some more squares in San Marco, so the vaporetto to Sant' Angelo and a walk to Palazzo Pesaro (Piper), rather a drab looking building and narrow canal from which to film. Next stop Santa Maria del Giglio to film the gem Ca' Dario (Piper) and the Salute (FB). Walked inland to the Baroque church (Piper) and from there to La Fenice (Rigby) where Libby rather enjoyed people watching. Onwards to San Moise (Piper) which had a real buzz about it, a wedding party crossing the square, gondoliers merrily chatting and trying to get trade, others slipping through the water with their gondolas and precious loads of tourists supping champagne. £90 an hour to hire a gondola apparently - we judiciously decided against - and anyway only tourists do that!
Returned to hotel about 7pm and watched some footage whilst supping the flagon wine. Ca d'Oro a fun place for a meal and good value, very popular, not only diners but others spilling into the street sampling cicheti. Two very pleasant young Canadian chaps sitting next to us. Great excitement of the evening when a fire brigade launch sped down the Grand Canal, sirens blaring, lights flashing, creating a huge wash. Good job Charles wasn't standing on the water's edge - there'd have been more than soaked clogs!

Venice Day 2

2009-05-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

Hardly slept again, and then at 5am the seagulls started squawking raucously, presumably heralding the arrival of fish at the Rialto Market. By 7am the Canal and Market are busy, busy, busy, locals, business people, children being taken to school in motor boats, tourists, a gondola ferry from the Market to Campo S Sofia.
Meeting for breakfast (rather sweet croissants), we decide to tackle St Mark's first. Whilst I studied the map, Charles sorted out the techy stuff and managed to slim it down to the tripod bag, my rucksack and a carrier bag. So off we go - a walk to Ca d'Oro, vaporetto to St Mark's, where, despite the morning being relatively juvenile, we are faced with hordes of tourists sounding not dis-similar to the earlier seagulls. Most of them also appeared to be grossly overweight, which offends C most frightfully, and they had a particularly nasty habit of standing right in front of the camera mounted on its tripod as if it, and its 6ft4in operator, were invisible. Gentle reader, you can well imagine that by the end of the morning, poor Charles was not the happiest of bunnies (to put it mildly).
Anyway, soldier on we did, the big camera, the Super8, a cute little Linux for blog shots and Libby in charge of the Nikon. Piper, Rigby and Brangwyn (FB) had all produced countless images of the Piazza, Piazzeta, campanile, St Mark's, Doge's Palace, the two columns, Bridge of Sighs, Danieli, and views from the Riva of San Giorgio Maggiore, the Dogana and Salute. Half of these buildings were covered in scaffolding or Sisley-wrap, the artists had conveniently moved some buildings to produce a more pleasing composition, there was no shade, the equipment was heavy, temperature 31C. Nightmarish! A ridiculously priced bottle of water certainly helped matters. Libby becomes obsessed with marble patterning (see below) and architectural details.We finally finished about 13.30 and took the equipment back to the hotel before finding a little bar where we indulged in mozzarella and tomato salad, a glass each (we felt we deserved it), followed by an espresso. Just what the Dr ordered but at £28 a trifle pricey!
Collected equipment for the afternoon session and C changed into his beloved Birkenstock clogs. Retraced yesterday's walk. First stop the lovely Campo S Maria Nova where we filmed S Maria dei Miracoli (matching Piper and Rigby images) and made some sound recordings. The reflections in water and the canals generally start waylaying us at every turn - beautiful photographic and filmic opportunities. CM stopped for a Mask opportunity (see below).
From there to Campo Zanipolo (Piper and FB 'did' the Scuolo and FB did the Ponte del Cavallo) where we also shot (not literally you understand) the little cafe, the canal, children skipping. On to the Ospedaletto (c/o Piper), not easy to photograph in narrow street, amazing Atlantes. More fascinating canal stops. Saw some lovely glass jewellery in a little shop - might have to return! Found a wonderful shop where the wine is sold by the litre from huge flagons so we filled up the water bottle - a mere 2 euros per litre, so vastly cheaper than water! On to Campo S Maria Formosa where we stopped for a necessary break and un' ombra. Restored, we filmed the church (Piper) and the delightful 15th century marble relief above the Ponte del Paradiso (FB) - scaffolding next door needless to say. Onwards to San Giorgio dei Greci (Rigby) and San Zaccaria (Piper and Rigby). A final sprint to the vaporetto stop and back to the hotel by 8.30 which makes a 10 1/2 hour day! Noted by Libby's feet which have developed 2 large blood blisters. Ugh.
Tried the flagon wine (pas mal), munched some olives. Walked to Ca d'Oro but no room so booked for tomorrow and ended up at a tiny place near the hotel where I had fried squid (yum) and C had liver and persuaded me to try some. And you know what, it was a revelation, delicious and not a bit like school liver!

Venice Day 1

2009-05-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

Above: An excited Libby in St Mark's

Excitement reigns. I've lived in the Middle and Far East and travelled much of the world but have NEVER been to Venice and have longed to do so for oodles of ages, so am hugely excited this morning (in fact hardly slept last night). Ready by 7.45 so set off and arrived at Gatwick an hour early! Had a coffee and read Brunetti's Venice until I got a message from Charles at 10.30 - turned out he'd been 30 minutes early so had also been twiddling his metaphorical thumbs. Absolutely unprecedented for Charles to be early! Quick re-sorting of equipment so that all the valuable stuff goes as hand luggage - if the check-in bags are lost we'll be clothes-less.
Checked in - I got frisked (the titanium hip always produces a beep!) and I had to empty out my small rucksack - meanwhile Charles' bag stuffed to the brim with batteries, chargers, cables etc is not even questioned!
Plane late leaving, but made up for lost time. BA's current financial straits noted in the lunch - a sandwich. Although we were offered a bottle of wine afterwards - which C declared was more akin to paraffin.
Flying over Venice, the sparkling water, campaniles, domed churches - oh gosh, just beautiful, actually brought a tear to the eye. And then the heat on landing at Marco Polo - divine - having spent 23 years in hot countries I just adore the heat (makes me even livelier if possible). Bus to Venice then a vaporetto and then what felt like a lengthy walk (but nothing compared to the next few days) trying to negotiate the narrow streets with 6 large bags including an outsized tripod bag.
Hotel delightful, right on the Grand Canal opposite the Rialto Market, no straight walls, furniture on the slant, tacky overblown Murano glass mirrors and chandeliers. I'm mesmerized by the view from the window, the Canal is so busy, all sorts of vessels plying back and forth, and all very civilised, no water rage - I could watch this for hours. Who needs TV? Not me for one.
It being late afternoon we change for dinner and set off (sans equipment but avec dot littered map) on a recce for tomorrow, delightful Campo S Maria Nova (Campari soda), Campo Zanipolo (ugly hoardings with Communist posters across square), Campo S Maria Formosa and thence to St Mark's where we discover part of the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs are being renovated and obliterated by ghastly Sisley advertisements. In fact half of the buildings in the square seem to be covered by scaffolding, which is not good news for our filming. Vaporetto back to Rialto for a literary lion photo opportunity (see previous entry). In fact we are beginning to note that the Goldmark logo has taken over this fair city!
Brunetti led us to Antico Dolo in San Polo for some excellent cicheti followed by a divine cuttlefish and polenta. We amble back to Campo SS Apostoli where we indulge in a caffe coretta (and toast Brunetti).

Above: Charles with his caffe coretta

Venice - here we come!

2009-05-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

Met up with Charles in deepest Essex, the latter armed with his latest gadget, a light tent. This singular device is designed for photography of sculptures, pots etc, and comes with a variety of different coloured backgrounds. We were charged with photographing some Brangwyn ceramics for the Japanese exhibition next year, and the black background proved to be stunning.

Thence back to Film Farm supposedly to do some FBSG editing - BUT - actually to discover the most exciting news that Mike Goldmark has decided the Piper film needs that extra oomph and we're off to Venice the end of the month! WOWZERS! We've also got to do some Rigby Graham work whilst there (Mike would like to re-publish Rigby's absolutely wonderful illustrations of Venice originally printed in 1986 as Venice, Scaraboti by Rigby Graham) and as if that wasn't enough Mike then added Brangwyn to the equation. We both feel that of the three artists, Rigby's images of the city are by far the most evocative.

Who could resist such an offer? Although when we started looking at pictures (FB did over 100 images of Venice in various media) and putting little coloured dots on a map of Venice we began to realise that this would not be a joy ride but 3 1/2 days of solid slogging around the city. But hey, someone's got to do it!

Part of our dotty Venice map (Piper in yellow, Brangwyn in red and Rigby in green)

Oh, and we've also got to photograph Mike's logo - nicked from the Dieci Savi building at one end of the Rialto Bridge (Mike and said logo a couple of years ago - plus another couple or so)!

26 September 2009

2009-05-01T01:20:00.000-07:00

A date to put in your diaries - because this is the date Frances Spalding's book (published by OUP) and our film will be jointly launched at the Goldmark Gallery, Uppingham! So, we've got our work cut out between now and then!

This last week I've been compiling a list of all the images and paintings we have of Piper's work, and have started transcribing the interviews - a lengthy and rather laborious process which I personally find I can only manage in short segments - generally the evenings accompanied by a glass of wine.

I also entered the blog URL into www.wordle.net/create and it came up with this - the site is a wonderful waste of time!

Spalding and home

2009-03-14T09:40:00.000-07:00

No, not Lincolnshire, but Frances Spalding (above), the Piper expert and author of John Piper, Myfanwy Piper: Lives in Art (to be published later this year). A super lady, very articulate and enthusiastic and of course hugely knowledgeable about her subject. We really must try to get our DVD released about the same time as her book.

And then back to Lincolnshire and Film Farm which was freezing cold because jackdaws had nested in the chimney which resulted in the AGA going into a black funk and so no heating! Brrrr! Tomorrow a look at the rushes, hopefully a spot of typesetting and then home whoever.

Friday 13th

2009-03-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Fortified by a cooked breakfast (a David special) Charles felt ready to face the day. First stop Windsor since JP had painted all those grey looking works of the Castle at the behest of Sir Kenneth Clark. Unfortunately there were too many trees in the way in Windsor itself so we had to drive round to Eton via Datchet to get to the other side of the river and a decent view. Luckily the sun didn't shine and Charles captured that necessary grainy gloom.

Onwards to deepest darkest Berkshire and an interview with Richard Ingrams. I'd expected someone very sharp and acerbic and admit to being slightly nervous but happily he was all charm and produced some delightful memories of Piper. And he has the most beautiful long haired cat which rubbed itself against my legs most of the interview, almost putting me off my stride - nearly as wonderful as Reyntien's cat. AND he recalled that Piper liked obscure artists such as FRANK BRANGWYN! I couldn't believe it and shrieked wildly so we had to get him to say it again! And Ingrams didn't even know about my relationship with old FB!

So delighted were we that Ingrams became the first recipient of the Soundbite pencil selection, being, as we are, a stationery fanatic.

Rigby had told us that Fawley Bottom (JP's house near Henley) had been burned to the ground but we thought we'd have a look anyway and luckily it hasn't been razed. I then went and asked if we could take some photographs of the exterior. The owner was none too pleased at me not having contacted them prior to arriving unheralded on the doorstep but did give permission. Phew.

And then to Islington where Jay and Jeremy live - Jay used to be Charles' PA at the Beeb and Jeremy was a journalist, one of those amazing people who have a tremendous enthusiasm and zest for life - his latest preoccupations including making a cork tree, gallons of world famous 6 fruit marmalade and writing a children's story. Champagne, anchovy olives and another wonderful evening - I could get used to this style of living!

Unfortunately, in the rush the following morning, I forgot to pack my special marmalade jar. I hope I'm forgiven. :-(

B&B's in London

2009-03-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

This trip we're based in London and Charles' friends have very kindly offered us not only accommodation but also evening meals. First stop after our Pianola playing (see Brangwyn blog) was David's house in Shepherd's Bush (a film editor, he and Charles have known each other for ever and ever, or at least since their BBC days), evening meal c/o Laraine (see above), an artist and language teacher whose quirky individuality extends to her decor and cooking. Great food, wine and conversation flowed, super evening.

Meet the experts

2009-02-15T07:45:00.001-08:00

Since neither of us live in London, getting there with all the equipment, finding accommodation and then scheduling interviews ain't easy, but so far Richard Ingrams has very kindly agreed to be interviewed which is sterling news. So this week I re-read his excellent Piper's Places in preparation. The London sally is planned for mid March and I'm desperately hoping to fit the other afficionados in for the same period (although one expert has unfortunately dropped out). We're also planning to visit Windsor Castle and get the feel of the place ('unlucky with the weather Mr Piper' - keep up) and ditto Fawley Bottom. Will keep you posted!

God bless all those who ...

2009-02-06T02:21:00.000-08:00

The brand new spanking, sophisticated, beautifully formed, well fit, Brangwyn website was launched this morning at about 10.00 hours, loads more info and loads more images. So much for those sceptical beings who, observing me reading Dreamweaver for Dummies at Christmas looked at me askance, Libby, creating a website, you have to be kidding?! But I did it! Never underestimate the Tigger Libby (another WtP ref - see previous entry). Anyway, DO visit the site (http://www.frankbrangwyn.org/) and let me know what you think. Here's the opening splash:

A mild diversion

2009-01-30T08:45:00.000-08:00

We were to have done some editing on the Curwen material 28-30 January but the previous week Mike Goldmark rang up - what did I know about Epstein? Not a lot, but I'm a fast learner. Did I fancy doing a piece to camera about his Epstein exhibition, due to be taken down at the end of the month? Not one to resist a challenge, I thought long and hard for about 20 nannoseconds and said YES! So then I had to alert Charles to our new plans and hoped he'd agree, and start mugging up on the great man. Since I was due to stay 3 days with mea mater prior to meeting Charles this necessitated rising well before the lark (6am) and keeping the wols (as in Winnie the Pooh for the uninitiated) company at night (well until midnight anyway after which I turn into a sloth) in order to read all the necessary books and formulate a cunning plan for a critique of Mike's show.

Actually the research wasn't that arduous because I became captivated by Epstein's talent, energy, enthusiasm and refusal to bow to traditional approaches to sculpture (or anything else for that matter). A long day ensued at the Goldmark Gallery on the 29th January during which we dismantled most of the exhibition anyway, moving exhibits around (or rather getting others to do that since the sculptures are pretty heavy). Went rather well though I say it as shouldn't, and here for your delight and delectation is Charles captivated in turn by the breasts of the Shulamite Woman and Girl from Baku (so what's new?!) and Epstein's wonderful orgasmic 2nd portrait of Kathleen.

What else has been happening in January? Apart from some Brangwyn authentication reports for various London auction houses, I've been occupied learning Dreamweaver and trying to drag my Brangwyn website kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Charles has been working on Charlotte Bach and Fiore de Henriques and trying to protect Dot from his new hooligan hens, whilst the pair of us managed to finish FBSG Northampton. Toodle-pip!

PP8, Film Farm

2008-12-11T12:19:00.000-08:00

We decided that we ought to photograph everything in the Piper archive and do some talk overs before I delivered it back to Goldmark Art, but in the usual manner of things this took longer than anticipated so a return home scheduled for Friday was delayed until Saturday, at which point Libby was despatched well nourished with the traditional Piper Forensic Kipper. But some good work under our belts and that's it for this year. About 5 afficionados we'd like to interview early next year and then it's down to editing.
Hope you join us again in 2009!
Best wishes, Libby and Charles (or should it be Charles and Libby? I'll try to work that one out by next year)

PP8, Aldeburgh

2008-12-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Beautiful morning and although pretty chilly and frosty, I couldn't resist a run along the coast, fresh air, fishermen already put in a day's work, sky the colour of Piper's Snape Maltings print. So cold, even the pebbles had frozen together on the beach. Following yesterday's early start (for Charles type characters anyway) he was allowed a later start today - 9.45 - positively sinful by my books.

Having packed the car we drove the short distance to the parish church where we photographed Piper's memorial window to Britten.

Thence to check out Maggie Hambling's beautiful shell (also a Britten memorial) and get some super 8 film of the Martello tower, bought some herrings and potted shrimps for supper from a beach shack (CM INSISTED I include their logo - see below) and on to Snape to replicate Piper's print. Unfortunately the sun was just at the wrong angle so we retired to the Granary for a delicious and most welcome hot courgette and herb soup, had a look in the shop to see if they had pencils to add to the collection (but too up market for that sort of malarky). Back to the grindstone and this time the sun had moved behind the trees so we more or less got the view we wanted. And you can see my trusty steed China (silvery Alfa Romeo) in the right hand photo - she who has performed such sterling work this summer taking us all over Britain.

And back to Film Farm, a delighted Pepper (the feline) and some yummy herrings in oatmeal cooked by Chef Charles @ Hare in the Gate (an excellent restaurant, well recommended).

PP8, Curwen Studio

2008-12-09T09:57:00.000-08:00

Stanley, Libby and the Piper archive (only Libby's on the left but I couldn't put my name before Stanley's!)

Poor Charles was absolutely horrified because we had to leave at 8.30 this morning which meant getting up in the dark with the resident Film Farm owls (real ones, not just a BBC sound effect) a-hooting. A somewhat chilly morning and it took Libby a good 10 minutes to scrape the ice off her car windows. Anyway we succeeded in setting off almost on time and arrived at Curwen Studios, Chilford Hall, just outside Cambridge a mere 5 minutes late.
Stanley Jones, a legend in his lifetime, possibly the most important man in the history of printmaking in the 20th century, was the sweetest, gentlest, most modest of men and absolutely captivated us. He is also, fairly obviously, hugely knowledgeable and seemed delighted to see the Piper archive which he discussed in detail in a very approachable manner (i.e. without being unduly didactic). We left the Studios absolutely over the moon with our filming work.
But rather chilly after the insidious creeping chill of the Studio. Sainsbury's appeared to be about the only quick option available so Charles devoured a hot panini whilst I embraced a large cappucino. Then on to Aldeburgh, but by this time it was dark and we were driving along narrow country lanes with no lighting, no cat's eyes, lots of scary wide lorries and it has to be said that Libby was by this stage a decidedly unhappy bunny (unlike yesterday).
However the hotel was great and a reviving glass of red wine soon did the trick.

PP8, part 1

2008-12-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

Monday 8 December set off for Goldmark Art in Uppingham to collect some Piper prints to show our guest star Stanley Jones at the Curwen Press tomorrow. Unfortunately they only had 2 of the 4 I'd asked for - but FORTUNATELY Mike was there and we had a chat (as one does) and I told him about the next exciting interview - at which point he just happened to mention that he owned the Piper archive from the Curwen Studios! An absolutely amazing treasure trove with photographs, initial ideas for prints, colour separations. So I set off for Film Farm an exceedingly happy bunny.

two wheeled pedal driven vehicles

2008-10-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

Left: David Gent, Charles, Chuck the Truck. Right: Oli/JP cycling

Those of you who are avid readers of this blog will recall that on 10 June this year we interviewed the Rev Ian Browne at Oundle School. We mentioned en passant that we were on the lookout for a young Piper clone, late teens, long and lean, whom we could film cycling along idyllic country lanes a la Piper in the 1920s.
And the gentleman in question came up with just the young blade we were searching for in the form of 14 year old, 6ft1in Oli Gent, long and certainly lean. He and his parents, David and Carolyn, tooled up at Film Farm on the 19th October, a delightful family, Oli kitted out magnificently by the Oundle School Drama Department. We introduced him to Charles' old uncle Frank's old bicycle fitted with spanking new (but suitably old fashioned) bell and they got on famously. Oli even named the bike - it is now 'Harold'. We then cranked up Chuck the Truck who was overjoyed to be seeing some of the action again, all piled in, plus bike and cameras and off to the chosen locations.
The great thing about the countryside where Charles resides is that it is stuck in a time warp (as is the renowned filmmaker himself) - no road markings, no street lights, no cat's eyes, real hedges, small fields divided by hedges and copses - in fact pretty much as rural Surrey would have looked in Piper's day.
Oli was an absolute STAR. Not only did he look the part (probably not facially but we didn't need close ups) but he entered fully into the spirit of the thing, even riding the bicycle with a ram rod straight back. After various locations we ended up at the church next door to Charles where Oli/JP rested his bike against the railings and entered the churchyard, sat on a bench and sketched architectural details, before trying out his No 3 Folding Pocket Kodak Camera (1912).
Lunch was the inaugural outing for the new venture jointly owned by Chef Eliza of Pomegranate and Chef Charles of Hare in the Gate, namely Sound Bite Location Catering, as a token of our gratitude for the family's efforts. A hugely successful day.

Oli/JP arrives at a church with Harold and takes some snaps.

Libby even managed to do some Letterpress printing (the new thrill in her life) with what was left of the afternoon - this is printed on hand made Nepalese Lokta paper and is the title sheet for her latest tome, Christ's Hospital Murals, to be published next month.

PP7, part 3

2008-10-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

This morning we returned to Portland Bill in glorious weather, found an old stone crane, photographed Chesil Beach from above and then in the flesh, and Charles did some Super 8 work (we intend to introduce each section with a smidgin of old fashioned filmwork).

Back to Weymouth, change the equipment in the car, grab a quick fish and chips for Charles (he liked the box), photographed the amusingly odd Jubilee clock, and off down the road to interview Patrick Reyntiens who interpreted most of Piper's stained glass designs and almost single-handedly revolutionised stained glass design and making in this country. Unfortunately we got held up behind a HUGE trailer which was transporting 3 ENORMOUS blocks of Portland stone to Salisbury and which was impossible to pass - so arrived somewhat tardily, which is something I hate doing and so was getting very frustrated and irritated.

Patrick was his usual ebullient self. We showed him the roughly edited films of Oundle, Coventry and Liverpool and he just started talking, describing, discussing - brilliant stuff for which we were hugely grateful.

Arriving back in Weymouth we set out with trepidation for some fodder and chanced upon Vaughan's which really turned up trumps. The decor was understated, the waiter attentive and knowledgeable and interested, bread rolls were baked freshly continuously throughout the evening, the food, well - excellent ingredients, cooked simply and to perfection, just as we like. Imaginative in a good way. And an excellent way to end another trip - back to Film Farm tomorrow.

PP7, part 2

2008-10-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Charles duly primed with his cooked breakfast, we set off for the small village of Grateley and the church of St Leonard's where there is an old window (originally in Salisbury Cathedral) depicting the Stoning of St Stephen - Piper claimed that copying this window taught him as much about colour as any art course - so we had to 'bag' it. Beautiful colours.

From there to Weymouth where we booked into The Esplanade run by an enthusiastic and enterprising young couple who used to work in the City but have returned home and although they haven't managed to get rid of all the dark red patterned carpets as yet are working their way through the hotel making it more sophisticated - good luck to them. After a quick lunch in a nearby Italian (ENZO) it was off to Portland Bill which captivated us with its huge limestone rock formations, seaweed swirling below, the old lower lighthouse Charles decided he wanted to live in when he grows up (but it belongs to the RSPB) and the fact they were celebrating our arrival - someone had already scrawled my name on a wall! By the time we finished it was dark, very cold and windy, and we were tired but promised to warm ourselves up with a good Italian - how can you go wrong with an Italian - 2nd day running it was dreadful - again TOO 'cheffy'. We should have returned

to the lunch-time place (i.e. ENZO).

PP7, part 1

2008-10-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

We departed from EKH in rather miserable weather and dreaded a repeat performance of Brighton/Romney Marsh. Today's itinerary, Stowe and Farnborough. However, out luck changed and by the time we arrived at Stowe it was pleasantly mizzly which suited the architecture and landscaping. Both the National Trust and Landmark Trust kindly waived their fees since the film will be distributed freely to schools in an effort to instill an interest in arts and crafts in today's youth.

The great excitement of the day (since neither of us are particularly potty about formal gardening on this scale) was the Batricar which Libby commandeered - terrific fun (seen above by the Palladian Bridge). And covering the distance we did with the usual amounts of equipment would have been almost impossible. Whilst Charles filmed the sights from Piper's viewpoints, Libby photographed trees and flowers, carefully avoiding the architectural delights (despite her architectural background).

What we did both enjoy hugely was the Pebble Alcove, almost every sq cm of which Charles made me photograph - oh look at the butterfly, that bunch of grapes, the zodiac signs etc etc. Here's the man himself enjoying the experience - I greatly fear Film Farm may sprout some similar oddity in due course!

Stowe took longer than anticipated (these things always do) but we HAD to get to the tiny village of Farnborough before dark to film the window Piper designed in memory of his great friend and colleague John Betjeman. The window was a delight, fresh, brightly coloured, absolutely joyful and fits so well into its surroundings. here's just a tiny part to whet your appetite for the completed DVD.

And thence to Chieveley where we had promised ourselves a big treat. Those of you who read our sister blog (frankbrangwyn.blogspot.com) will recall that on 6 February 2008 we dined at The Crab at Chieveley and considered the meal excellent. For those of you who have been there since on our recommendation - massive apologies! A change in management has introduced 'cheffy' food, lots of ingredients for the sake of it, and the result is just silly, a waste of time, not particularly tasty and not good cooking. If you've got good ingredients don't mess them up. Par example, I had traditional scallops for starters (OK) whilst my 'blonde' companion had scallops with 201 ingredients including white chocolate! No way Jose! VERY disappointing.

PP6 day 2 Art Historian and Filmmaker Suspected as Terrorists

2008-09-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

I actually managed a run in the dry first thing this morning, and after breakfast we set off to record the glories of the Romney Marsh and Dungeness. We bagged East Guldeford church, a forlorn barn of a place, without too much trouble from the itinerant sheep and proceeded to Dungeness - which is where the trouble started. I didn't park prettily at the end of a layby but there was no one around in such grim weather - by now it had started raining again and the wind was howling without obstruction across the wastes. We lugged the gear along to the beach and set up the tripod and camera on the highest bit of shingle with the power station behind us and the lighthouse of which Piper had made a collage in our sights. I was wearing a fluorescent yellow raincoat and Charles is well over 6ft, so we weren't exactly camouflaging ourselves. The weather was so remorseless we actually had to give up without filming anything and staggered back to the car with wet equipment and damp us. A police van was awaiting us - 'Oh gosh, sorry, are you going to reprimand me about my parking' was my opening gambit. 'I'll disregard that this time' responded the fully equipped policeman - think flack jacket, gun, god knows what else strung round his waist but it all looked exceptionally frightening. Did we realise that one required permission to film here, what were we doing, did we appreciate that there was a power station behind us? We tried to explain about Piper and that he created is images before the power station was even there and we desperately DID NOT want said building in our film, and anyway we hadn't managed any film due to the lousy weather, and I hadn't realised one required permission (which is odd because I've checked just about everywhere else we've been, politeness being my middle name). One would have thought that if we were dangerous criminals we would not have stood on the highest bit of shingle for everyone to see, together with large tripod and camera, let alone the yellow peril raincoat. Anyway said policeman had to fill in the relevant Stop and Search form (he did put my hair colour down as dark rather than grey which was flattering!) after which he took Charles' details and then said they'd have to do a check on the car. Why couldn't his mate have done this while we were waiting? No wonder policemen don't have time to catch the real criminals. In all we were at the mercy of the LAW for about 90 minutes. UGH!

The situation was marginally improved for Charles anyway by a sighting of the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch train!

By now we were late for our meeting with Sir Donald Sinden at St Clement's, Old Romney at midday and I wanted to dash but didn't dare add a speeding fine to my sins. The churchwardens had been in and the place looked spotless, flowers everywhere. Sir Donald was his usual exemplary professional self and I tried manfully or even womanfully to play my part asking him about the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust, of which he is a Vice President and discussing generally the features of the church. This was followed by lunch at the Woolpack during which he kept us vastly amused with his hilarious stories all delivered with such aplomb. C&I tried the same jokes out on each other during the afternoon but our renditions fell completely flat.

We tooled back to Old Romney and tried to do some outdoor shots in the drizzle, and were just about to call it a day when I fancied I saw a flash of blue sky so we then dashed over to St Mary in the Marsh and Ivychurch but by then the rain it was a-raining again! Photos indicate the bleakness and the wind.

Back to Film Farm the following day, a drying out session, a play with the letterpress which I can quite see I'm going to get completely hooked on, and thence back to Kent. About 10 days of grace before the next outing during which Charles has 2 sets of work related visitors and I have to drive to Yorkshire for another of mea mater's 90th birthday celebrations and want to work on the Christ's Hospital monograph. It's all go as someone once opined.

PP6 day 1

2008-09-04T00:45:00.000-07:00

A 2 day dash to Bruges to do some Brangwyn filming (see http://frankbrangwyn.blogspot.com/) and we are already in Piper mode on the return ferry - watching Pink String and Sealing Wax on the laptop (they used a Piper drawing of Brighton for the titles). No rest for the wicked.

And so to Chichester and its cathedral, a delightful small sized friendly and light edifice with some stunning art works mainly commissioned by the Very Rev Walter Hussey, including of course the Piper tapestry which just glows with colour, quite sensational and reminds one very much of his collage work, even some bits of marbled paper here and there. One of the guides, Alan Bradford, was brilliant so we cajoled him into doing a spot of talking for us. Unfortunately when the day chaplain did his hourly spiel and asked for some reverential quiet Libby dropped her lens cap on the encaustic tiles, which clanked resoundingly. I made my apologies later and he was a super chap, very friendly and jolly. In fact everything went swimmingly until it was time to go - and then we needed to swim, literally - because in the meantime the heavens had opened and it was fair bucketing it down. No chance of getting all the kit into the car without it becoming seriously damp. So were were marooned for about 90 minutes.

It was supposed to be one of the wettest weeks of the year (along with the week we chose to visit Wales of course) and it certainly wasn't kind to us. We travelled on to Brighton to match up the Brighton Aquatints images, the journey punctuated by sudden showers. Arriving at Arundel Terrace we could see the rain advancing across the water but set up the tripod and camera anyway in the hopes of filming before the rain caught up with us - no such luck. We had to dash to the car, dry the equipment as best we could and wait for the storm to pass. This became the procedure as we slowly moved along the front towards Hove - Royal Pavilion, Metropole Hotel, Regency Square, Bedford Square, Brunswick Terrace, First Avenue Hotel - it was completely and utterly miserable, cold, and the wind buffeted us and the camera. Charles soldiered on and gamely tried to cheer Libby up periodically but she went into a cold and damp despond and was a very unhappy bunny. Finally at about 7.30 in the evening, with the light starting to go, we finished - or at least we hope we've finished - only the rushes will tell. A dismal drive back to the hotel with low visibility, the windscreen wipers working overtime, and then a careful drying out of kit - and ourselves!

Farnborough

2008-08-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

En route back to Kent took a detour to recce the John Betjeman memorial window in Farnborough church, Bucks - we finally discovered the church on the rhs of the road despite the AA directing us to the lhs - anyway, well worth the detour, because the window is beautiful, vibrant. Although I had seen images in books the window in the flesh was astounding and gave me a happy feeling all the way home!

Stowe

2008-08-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

I had to drive down to the West Country for my f-in-l's 90th birthday celebration so decided to take in Stowe on route as a recce. Astounding landscaping but not to my liking really, too full of self-aggrandisement, too contrived and manicured despite the fact it was meant to look natural. Huge swathes of countryside were manipulated in the name of art - huge swathes are now manipulated in the name of money by farmers - but is the latter any worse? I visited the follies etc which Piper sketched and have worked out a route by which, hopefully, if we attain a 4 minute mile average, we can capture all in the minimum time since the National Trust charge so much per hour and we are working on a set budget - any fees come out of Charles's pocket!
Gothic Folly illustrated above.

Narborough Hall

2008-08-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

Early departure from Kent to Film Farm, thence Charles drives us to Narborough Hall in Norfolk, an exceptional, dreamy country house with a superb and developing garden and Victorian kitchen garden. Anyway, the main point of the visit was to see the Piper exhibition put on by owner Robert Sandelson - some exceptional pieces we hadn't come across previously including a wonderful vibrant tapestry of plants and sunflowers. The Perfect Spot cafe, run by his pre-teenage daughters, Fennel and Mermaid, and wife (in that order apparently) was just delightful, wonderful home made scones with jam and cream, good pot of tea, and all in aid of charity. How good can it get. See www.narborough-hall.co.uk for more information.

Brighton Recce

2008-08-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Took the train down to Brighton to compare the present buildings with those illustrated in Piper's Brighton Aquatints - more trees these days, and Piper had used artistic license in squishing buildings together, but doesn't look too difficult to film - or find convenient parking space nearby. Not that I was car bound today - far from it - I took the train and consequently walked for 3hrs 40 mins from the station, along the front to Hove, back to Arundel Terrace at the east end of Brighton and then a return through Kemp Town. Slightly weary of limb by the close.
A lady sat next to me Eastbourne to Brighton and commented on the drawings I was perusing (inwardly digesting Piper in Brighton) - aha, she had heard of Piper, mainly because she receives catalogues from a gallery in Leicestershire (actually Rutland but many make the mistake) - but that must be the Goldmark Gallery I retort - and sure enough it was - she praised the quality of the catalogues and the individual approach and I told her about Mike's philanthropic vision re the art DVDs being given freely to schools to inspire current students in arts and crafts. Spread the good word!
Meanwhile Charles is busy downloading all the rushes to date and putting them on to the new Piper hard drive, ready for editing; plus dealing with the usual pack of visitors, the garden, the remaining hen, Charlotte Bach and Phil Rogers.

The tragic West Pier above, Pavilion rooftops below

PP5

2008-08-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

An early start today to get to the Tate Library and Archives by 9am where we are to film some of the Piper sketchbooks. Unfortunately communications had broken down somewhere along the internal line and although Chris Webster was there to greet us, the Archives staff had turned up missing, back from holidays, delayed by punctures etc. Anyway, we finally got going, I think I made some semblance of sense despite having had a sleepless night, and we managed to finish just before the public were due in at 11am.
And after a breather we're off again, this time to interview Martin Harrison who regards Piper as something of a mentor, and is an authority on stained glass (and more recently Bacon - not the frizzled variety). Great interview with unexpected twists and turns - who would expect less of Martin?!

Great train journeys of the world

2008-08-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

Now Charles may be rather an anorak when it comes to trains, besotted is another word which comes to mind - but today was the grand-daddy of all train journeys. We travelled from the joys of Baker Street to the nether reaches of the Diccapilly line, the final outpost - Cockfosters. The train was empty when we arrived, the final survivors having left at Arnos Grove. From the station we then marched to MoDA (Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture) to see the exhibition, titled The Shell Guides: Surrealism, Modernism, Tourism (Piper and Betjeman both having edited the Guides) - and excellent it was too - we were at first rather daunted by all the explanations but soon fell under the spell and came away envigorated and inspired. See www.moda.mdx.ac.uk/shell%20guides. Thence the marathon walk and train ride back to civilisation (the train was empty when we departed Cockfosters but people began to trickle on post Arnos Grove).

Romney Recce

2008-08-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

Having fed about 100 faces in the last few days c/o the joint 90th birthdays, I felt an indulgence was allowed and took my mother and aunt to visit Romney churches as a recce. Delightful, mainly because said edifices escaped the wrath of the Victorians and Vatican 2. Despite not being of that generation and both schoolmistresses and therefore prone to correct English, on walking into Old Romney, both squealed 'WOW!'. And WOW it certainly is, with beautiful old box pews, an idiosyncratic layout, a chancel wall which virtually obliterates sight of the sanctuary from the parishioners - but just wonderful! This just begs to be part of the Piper film.

BSMGP

2008-08-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

The stained glass lecture seemed to go down OK, but since it's Brangwyn related have put my reflections in that blog (http://frankbrangwyn.blogspot.com)

Piper pullovers and sketchbooks

2008-07-28T00:38:00.000-07:00

Eye and Camera, Plate II, 1983

After visiting my mother and celebrating her 90th birthday, it's back home to Kent, a weekend of hacking back the jungle (at least the weather was superb), then to the Tate Archive today. I got through 52 of the 58 Piper sketchbooks and notebooks in the collection before they closed for the day, looking for relevant images which we could film. What struck me most forcibly was that our whole premise for the film is that Piper lived in a romantic unpopulated dream-like landscape and we've waited patiently at venues until people have moved out of the way - and yet his sketchbooks from 1968 onwards become almost exclusively figure studies - mainly recumbent half dressed women with black stockings but also crossed legs with lace up boots, hand studies, copulating couples and 3 somes, together with photographs from life and lots of images from magazines of models. I get the feeling he preferred a rounder type of female. Studies for the Eye and the Camera series I suppose, but even so rather a plethora.

I enjoyed the comments Piper wrote about the Sitwells:

'I was an extremely late developer. Osbert, Edith and Sacheverell really (what you might call) brought me up. That is, they made me believe in a life I had always wanted to live but which, until I met them, I hadn't thought was possible ... they 'sophisticated' me.'
Edith was, apparently, an inveterate knitter and made at least 3 pullovers for Piper.

The next couple of days I must get my stained glass lecture finalised, then the 2 day conference is Thursday/Friday. Meanwhile Charles dashed off to Wales on Sunday to film the brilliant Welsh potter Phil Rogers opening his kiln Monday - this is the final piece for the film commissioned by Goldmark Gallery (see http://www.philrogerspottery.com/). He then has a guest Thursday to Monday, Jobear returning Tuesday to Friday. No rest for the wicked.

PP4 - Renishaw

2008-07-22T00:28:00.000-07:00

Sir Reresby Sitwell and Renishaw Hall from the south

A rather pleasant, obviously lived in and loved, country house, without the heaviness of dated furnishings which one sees in so many of these grand houses, and a beautiful garden which was landscaped by Sir George Sitwell (the present incumbent's grandfather) but Lady Penelope has added colour. Sir Reresby and Lady Penelope a charming couple and Sir Reresby granted us an interview before he dashed off for a lunch date - we placed him by the fireplace in the entrance hall above which is a Piper triptych of Venice which made a good setting. After they left we were placed in the hands of David Bateman, the housekeeper, a sterling chap who took us round the house to photograph relevant Piper works from the HUGE collection, on to the roof of pinnacles and battlements with superb views over the surrounding countryside, round the gardens and the Gothic Temple (aka dog cemetery), into the museum, and then explained how to get to the lakes and Triumphal Arch - and all done with a sense of humour. By the end we were rushing like mad things trying to get all our filming completed in the allotted 4 hours before the penalty charges clocked in.

David Bateman and Charles outside the north front of Renishaw

And I discovered more about David Horner, known as 'Blossom' - Osbert's boyfriend - which was interesting!

crown of glass

2008-07-21T00:21:00.000-07:00

Drive to Film Farm - in the evening we watched an excellent film about Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and the way in which the stained glass in the tower was part of the structure. The process was evolved in collaboration with the artists (Piper and Patrick Reyntiens), architects and engineers and the film (a Shell production) explained all this in an approachable manner without cutting out the more difficult concepts. Why oh why cannot we have in depth reports like this these days on television instead of the vapid meanderings with which we are served. And many thanks to Janet Moretta for sending us a copy.

Osbert

2008-07-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

Arrived home 14 July and return to Film Farm 21 July during which have set myself the impossible task of reading all 5 volumes of Osbert Sitwell's biography, Left Hand! Right Hand! since our next Perambulation will be to interview Sir Reresby Sitwell and film Renishaw. This in addition to the usual hunt the spider, hack the jungle, forage for food activities and visit two local collectors, one in Sandgate and one in Canterbury - plus have everything in readiness for the Renishaw trip - although it's up to Charles to charge the batteries of course.
Not entirely fair on the boy, it has to be admitted, since this week Charles appears to be running a B&B with not only Jobear visiting Monday to Friday but two other Charlotte Bach researchers arriving for part of the week, Charles not only running the house and cheffing in his own inimitable manner but also researching and editing.
Bad news from the wonderfully quirky Sanderson Hotel in London, where we hoped to film a Piper stained glass panel, a lovely plant abstract. Since they gained no editorial and they realised we had no budget worth speaking of - they decided against allowing us to film. What would they have lost by allowing 2 people into their building for an hour max? What do they lose - nothing in the immediate money sense, but think of the schoolchildren who may have benefited from the experience of seeing that window, perhaps future entrepreneurs who may think twice about paying for a room in such a short-sighted establishment. Money certainly does make the world go around - few of the groups, companies, organisations I contact can credit that Mike Goldmark is making this film for purely philanthropic motives and planning to give (as in freely) most of the production to schools. Or that most of the fixed budget Charles and I are working to will be eaten up by payment for reproduction rights and travel expenses. For some strange reason we seem to be out of synch with the remainder of the world in feeling it's more important to create than to fill the coffers - I guess the world needs nut cases!
Osbert is delightfully quotable, as can be seen from the following, and I am rather enjoying the books, although I did find the family tree at the
start rather yawn-making.

'Educated during holidays from Eton'
'No gentleman can be without three copies of a book, one for show, one for use, and one for borrowers'
'fashionable beauties, with psyches that resembled air-balloons, inflated, light and highly coloured.'
'a real seaside piano, which compared in tone withe the normal instrument as the face of a swimmer who has swallowed a lot of sea-water compares with that of an ordinary human being ...'
'They were all tall: for height was an ideal in this circle; everyone, especially the women, despised the undersized as elsewhere the talented look down on the half-witted ...'
'Extravagance has done more for the world than ever has thrift.'

Odd how one's conception of age changes, Osbert could write of himself at the age of nearly 50:
'Already I am nearing fifty and the grey hairs are beginning to show. I have reached the watershed and can see the stream which I must follow downhill toward the limitless ocean, cold and fearless.'
I'm now nearer 60 than 50 and yet life seems to have blossomed anew and there is so much I want to accomplish, and most of the time I'm whizzing and whirling Tigger-like!

His father once 'determined to have all the white cows in the park stencilled with a blue Chinese patter, but the animals were so obdurate and perverse as in the end to oblige him to abandon the scheme.'
British eccentricity at its best!

PP3 part 7

2008-07-13T13:02:00.000-07:00

Last leg - phew! We depart for the Severn Valley railway upon which we intend to travel from Kidderminster to Bridgenorth and back, because it will give us good views of Shropshire and we feel JP and John Betjeman would have adored the steam trains. We take everything of huge value with us on the train, leaving the remainder in the boot and Megan carefully concealed on the back seat.
A great journey, lovely countryside and just something about the sound of the horn going 'Toot! Toot!' and the chugging of the hill climbs, and the steam floating past the carriage windows - a journey back in time.
And thence back to Film Farm arriving about 7.30, a scratch supper, and collapse! But only after placing Megan in the bathroom where she looks superb, fits the window perfectly and her colours match the tiling and rug. Just glad to have got her back safely in one piece.
A very hard week, early mornings, late nights, but some wonderful venues, people, places - can't wait to see the rushes!

PP3 part 6

2008-07-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

Paddy's Wigwam - aka Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. Fascinating seeing Coventry at the start of the week and this at the end. Oddly enough, whether because of being in the round, or the darkness and richness of the glass, it has a far more spiritual feel to it. We both loved the space, the light, the feeling of enclosure. BUT much more difficult to film and photograph. Staff tremendously helpful and chatty, and a visitor I chatted to turned out to be Piper's taxi driver at Fawley Bottom! Libby as usual was chief bag carrier (see image) but still smiling!

In the afternoon we gave ourselves a break and visited the fabulous Klimt exhibition at Liverpool Tate which showed so many works I'd never seen previously plus those of Hoffman and Schiele and the inevitable Mackintosh. But why do they have to make the notes of each work so small and place them so low down - even I was having to stoop but my long legged colleague was bent double reading them and in agonies by the end.
This was followed by the inevitable 'ferry cross the Mersey' - how could one avoid such a trip and it afforded great views of the Liverpool skyline - plus I spotted a Mick Jagger look-alike having a Super8 session?! In the evening we chanced upon the Olive Press where the Maitre D was wonderfully friendly and helpful and even gave Charles a free Peroni glass with which he is highly delighted.

PP3 Part 5

2008-07-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

Another run early morning, meet Charles for breakfast and a good fry up helps awaken the man. We set off on time to meet Jeremy and Pam (see 759 mile dinner date, 12 August 2007 on http://frankbrangwyn.blogspot.com but are held up by roadworks, a fuel stop, a level crossing and slow traffic so are 20 minutes late at the rendezvous in deepest Snowdonia. Now it so happens that in deepest Snowdonia there is no mobile reception - not that I normally rely on such contraptions - but it does not make exchanging information easy. Jeremy has changed his car since the last time we met and he can't recall what vehicle I possess, meanwhile he and Pam have hared up the road to look for us? The chances of us recognising each other were slim. Anyway, as I was wandering around aimlessly they turned up and we decided, given the rain, that we would decamp to Jeremy's house to discuss tactics.
The thing is, Jeremy is not only an artist in his own right, but hugely knowledgeable about the region and also a leading light in Gwynedd Museum. A real coffee - the best in the last week - revived flagging and damp spirits and Pam and I decided to make an itinerary of Piper locations. Meanwhile Jeremy had managed to contact Gwynedd and arranged for us to see their Piper sketch, assuring us meanwhile that the cloud cover would rise mid afternoon. So we all drove down/up/across/whichever way the map is pointing to Bangor where we photographed said image and then attempted a late lunch. The only place open and without a queue looked OK but it transpired that the kitchen staff had gone on strike and we waited and waited until Pam (every home should have one) banged on the desk (not metaphorically but actually), not once but twice, following which we were FINALLY served.
Thence back to Snowdonia and Piper's favourite places and Jeremy was just brilliant taking us along the valleys, pointing out roche moutonne, viewpoints, places Piper stayed etc - despite the fact that the mist hadn't lifted as promised and the rain hadn't stopped. I was elevated to A4 paper holder and stills, whilst Jeremy became tripod carrier and Pam umbrella attendant. Brilliant!
Eventually the afternoon turned out to be successful although the weather played with us continuously. Drove to Liverpool, arriving about 8pm.

PP3 part 4

2008-07-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

Went for another drizzly morning run - the garbage collectors (or whatever their PC name is now) yelled out - 'Hey, Mrs, the bus stop's back there'.
The B&B has been inundated overnight with foreign students and, as with the tea room yesterday, we wondered what we were doing in a student B&B at this age - we feel we deserve better!
We booked out but left our luggage in a spare room and drove to Machynlleth to see the Piper/Britten exhibition at MOMA. We enjoyed the exhibition, although small, and were pleased to note that it had the support of Clarissa Lewis, Piper's elder daughter, from whom Mike Goldmark is still trying to gain copyright permission. The adjoining Tabernacle was a wonderful space - I'd love to give a lecture there! The town was fascinating, some individual shops, sustainable household and decorating goods, art shops, trendy clothes, organic food etc, presumably some rejuvenation from the Centre for Alternative Technology? We would love to have visited CAT but again time was of the essence. We did have time to pop into a Deli almost next door to MOMA and buy some flavoured vinegars, Welsh mustard (red, fiery and dragon-like since you ask) and a pork and apple pie for Charles' lunch - which he pronounced superb, best pork pie EVER, thin crisp pastry with a lattice top, tasty filling and not all fatty.
Back to Dolgellau to collect all our bags, sort out what we may need in the afternoon, and pack Megan in very carefully on the back seat, taking care to cover her with light waterproofs so no-one sees her - if it rains we'll have to get wet!
This time we drove almost back to the English border to a spectacular waterfall called Pistyll Rhaeadr, which, for reference, isn't near anywhere. Now if the romantic artists and writers were awed by Gordale Scar, what would they have felt faced with this. The fall is higher than Niagara, it was very fierce the day we were there because of the previous days rains, and quite majestic, with a fairy bridge half way down from which spray flew into the air almost reaching the top of the fall.
Feeling joyful to be faced with such a beautiful natural phenomenon, it was at this juncture Libby discovered she had lost her little bag containing not only the lens cloth, but more importantly her memory card with images of Coventry, Ironbridge and Sid.
Yes, you've guessed it, 'Libby's lost her memory' was the continual tease during the remainder of PP3!
And thence back north to our next B&B on the edges of Snowdonia.

This sign explains why Charles keeps getting the navigation wrong!

PP3 part 3

2008-07-09T05:50:00.000-07:00

Another run this morning in the drizzle but helped wake me up. Rather a mediocre breakfast and a drizzly day altogether, gradually maturing into rain and then full scale downpour. We arrived at Caernarfon to film the castle - unfortunately I had assumed that much of the land round the castle would belong to same but it turned out that Piper's views were from across the stream and up the hill. Across the stream was fine to accomplish except that Libby was again the donkey whilst Charles strode ahead manfully with the light meter. We had a cup of tea in a tiny tea shop inhabited by squillions of little old ladies in twinsets and pearls and permed remains of hair and began to feel out of place. Driving up into the hills behind the city we spotted some of the buildings in Piper's work but again they'd obviously irritatingly re-assembled themselves in a different order since his day.
We stopped at the Inhospitable Chip just before closing time so all they could offer Charles was chips (personally ugh! Tiny Belgian crisp chips fine, but British soggy, forget it) - Thence to Beaumaris where Charles had spotted a beautifully made model of a fishing vessel last year when we were filming Brangwyn's stained glass. And the shop was open for once and the boat was still there, which, by his reckoning meant it had to be - so Megan was purchased and placed carefully on the back seat - as if we have sufficient room for her as well!
From there to a beach somewhere near Rhosneigr to attempt to find an abstract in shells and detritus, a fabulous beach with seaweed of all colours and stones (the images were not orchestrated), great fun except that we both got hopelessly wet. On the drive back we looked in vain for a suitable stretch of wall to film (again to match one of Piper's) and finally found something near the Menai Bridge.
Thence a long drive back to Dolgellau - not the distance - but the rain was horrific by this stage, the light had gone, the spray was everywhere. Arrived back at the B&B, laid out our equipment to dry, donned raincoats once more and scurried into the town for a meal - which was really excellent - Y Sospan - very good, fresh produce, freshly cooked, relaxed atmosphere, no pretension. Highly recommended. And we drank an Australian red wine named Anglesey and felt much much better! (For some reason I could not persuade this page to accept the Y Sospan details so you'll find them on PP3 part 7!)

PP3 part 2

2008-07-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

Went for a run along the river before breakfast, glorious, that warm wet smell after a night of rain, ducks and other waterfowl waddling about their business, the fishermen starting to congregate. Met Charles for breakfast and the cooked chirped him up greatly - yog for me!
Headed off to Ironbridge but sadly delayed by some interminable telephone calls. Spitting but not raining heavily so just about managed to film and photograph the narrow gorge, the elegant bridge and the amusing toll sign. Unfortunately there are substantially more trees now than there were in Piper's time let alone Fritter or Robertson whose view we were comparing with Piper's, and the Jackfield Museum view was obscured by huge building works on the river side. Charles bravely tackled the undergrowth in front of the Museum but reported back that the buildings aren't the same colours as in Piper's work and the church had moved itself - artistic licence I guess. there are so many museums in the valley we'd have loved to have visited but I hadn't factored in time unfortunately - and we were already delayed.
And on to New Radnor to interview Sid Burnard, an artist in Driftwood which obviously appeals since my podcast is titled DRFITWOOD (see www.libbyhorner.com and http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=277719748). Charles ate a pork pie en route which purported to have a world-wide reputation but to the expert wasn't much cop. I was finally persuaded to have a coffee at an OK Diner mid afternoon because I was flagging. We arrived unfortunately much later than planned but Sid was absolutely charming, gave us another reviving coffee and then started telling us about his long and varied career and showed us his wonderful driftwood sculptures - it's the birds I like, especially Deirdre made with some burnt wood which appears to replicate her feathers (Sid and Deirdre below). A wonderful enthusiastic good-hearted man. the interview should be launched in August hopefully. Oh, and New Radnor appeared to have some exceptionally old buildings - but it's only Norman whereas Old Radnor is Saxon! Age is, as noted yesterday, relative.
A beautiful drive over to Dongellau, stunning scenery. Arrived about 8pm, dumped our bags in the B&B and rushed into town for much needed sustenance.

PP3 part 1

2008-07-07T06:53:00.000-07:00

Drove up to Film Farm yesterday and this morning we loaded up the car with all the film, sound, lighting and camera equipment, just managing to squeeze our bags our bags on the back seat - not mushroom inside. The meteorologists are threatening the 'worst weather week' this year so we also have the HUGE umbrella.
Succeeded in getting Charles out of the house by 9am and off we set for Coventry which we reached without too many wrong turnings (the navigator and not the driver being at fault you understand). Staff very friendly and allowed us to park right next to the Cathedral which made unloading the bags a trifle easier - said bags were left by the entry desk where staff were most vigilant, one old dear (88 if a day) reprimanded me sharply for opening a bag and asked if I was with 'the nice young man with the camera' which pleased youthful Charles no end. Mind you, age is all relative.
Luckily there weren't too many people about which helped our thesis that Piper's works are unpopulated. However the rain was more of a problem (glad of the BIG BROLLY) and there were long spells when we were standing around waiting for an organ recital to finish, school children to retreat or the rain to cease. I've always loved the ruins of the old cathedral but this time looked more closely at Basil Spence's architecture and of course the Baptistery window which we were there to film. It is a frightful shame that some pieces of glass have been broken and covered over with duck tape! The work that must have gone into those windows, Patrick Reyntiens appears to have painted on almost every pane of glass, and of course all the cutting and placing and leading was his work - I'm in absolute awe. Just before we left a visiting American soul choir were given permission to sing - what a treat, the bass notes were glorious, they were so happy to have the opportunity to perform spontaneously in such a glorious building, and all the visitors were in raptures.
We finished at Coventry about 3pm and had a leisurely drive to Bewdley where we stayed the night in a B&B by the river - delightful town with a fabulous old(e) world(e) sweet shop, and an off licence with a selection of ciders the like of which I have never seen before.

Ketchup

2008-07-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

Arrived home 29 June hoping to catch up on mail etc and in doing so discovered a note from the BSMGP, organisers of the 2 day conference at the end of the month - Aspects of 20th Century Glass, that they require the digital images for each talk by 10 July - since I am due to leave 6 July for another week's long filming - this means that I have 6 days in which to write the lecture I'm giving on Brangwyn's stained glass, plus learn a completely new programme, never having given a digital lecture previously! Plus catch up, rid the house of encroaching spiders, attempt some sort of gardening, and prepare for the next PP - thoughts of re-reading June Osborne's book on Piper's stained glass faded into insignificance. Somehow, by dint of working until about 9pm each evening all deeds were accomplished, together with a batch of raspberry jam (our own fruit), and invitations to a 180 NOT OUT! bash in August to celebrate the 90th birthdays of my mother and father in law.
Unfortunately it does mean that I am not feeling as refreshed as I should do for this next week, and Charles is similarly hard pressed and somewhat exhausted having had Jobear Webb staying all week working on the Charlotte Bach film (see http://www.charlottebach.org

PP2 (part 2)

2008-06-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

Left: Gordale Scar
Right: Charles recording water
Friday morning, and after an excellent breakfast (fried variety recommended by Charles, who has tested one or two in his time) we set off once again for Gordale Scar, this time somewhat wimpishly driving as near as we could to the site since we had the full gear to carry - large film camera, sound recording equipment, stills cameras x 2, tripod, huge umbrella, bags of extraneous extras. I use the word WE advisedly, since it is usually I (i.e. Libby) who is the beast of burden. For example, on the walk to the gorge from the car, I was encumbered overmuchly whilst Charles dallied with a light meter - and a lady we passed remarked, 'that's serious equipment, are you the porter?'. So now I have yet another job description - official bag carrier.
Meanwhile Charles was darting around photographing dead umbrellas - such activities no doubt have a cult following. And much recording of water - streams, waterfalls, rivulets, you name it, he 'done' it.

Left: Dead Umbrella at Malham Cove
Right: Parrot style dead umbrella at Gordale Scar
Luckily no climbers today, weather marginally improved, few people to mar the view, not a bad session - and Janet's Foss as beautiful and magical as yesterday promised. Lining up Piper's views somewhat difficult - I think artistic license may have been involved.
I found the only way I could possibly recapture the awe felt by those early pioneers was to view the Scar and waterfall upside down, make the cliffs crowd down upon me, force them to appear anthropomorphic.
We finally finished filming and photographing mid afternoon and decided to plot our own scenic route home via Skipton and Ilkley to the A1 which took no longer than the polluted and tedious AA version.
Tomorrow I return home - but only after insisting on the kipper brunch!

Janet's Foss - upside down! Even more magical, n'est ce pas?

PP2 (part 1)

2008-06-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

Above: Malham Cove

Today we set off from Film Farm in bright sunshine, our hopes high at the prospect of visiting the renowned Gordale Scar.
Things went swimmingly until we realised that the AA routing through Leeds/Bradford/Huddersfield area was not the easiest or the most scenic. Charles however successfully ignored the problem by chattering away gaily about this and that. Just before Junction 24 Libby (who as well as being the chief researcher is also the chauffeur) happened to enquire which exit she was looking for '25, must be the next one' - but of course it wasn't - the next junction was 23 and for some unknown reason we carried on to junction 22 before retracing our steps. The rain started to fall, increasing in volume as we neared our destination, and somewhere near Kirkby Malham we appeared to enter a black hole, where each signpost indicated that the distance to Malham increased in inverse proportion to the actual proximity. We finally arrived at the River House Hotel, placed the piles of equipment bags in the rooms, and set out with minimal equipment for a recce.
But first, a quick bite - c/o The Old Barn Cafe, a tiny place where muddy boots are always welcome and serving excellent home made soup, cakes and sandwiches - recommended.
Thence our walk to Malham Cove and over the top where the limestone pavement forms strange abstract shapes, divided by narrow gullies, and polished silky smooth - a trifle scary for Libby who hasn't the best sense of balance and does not wish to have a second hip replacement any time soon. Across the fields and on to Gordale Scar, a natural feature which awed the romantic poets and artists. Oddly enough we weren't as stunned as we expected to be by the ancient limestone gorge and waterfall. Or at least not until one of the two rock climbers who were busily abseiling at the precise point where the best viewpoint of the waterfall could be gained, happened to start showering rock on our intrepid filmmaker. Terrified of breaking his Super 8 camera (with which we film period looking shots of each location) he stumbled on the wet rocks and fell, tearing his trousers but luckily saving said camera in the process.
Why the climbers were allowed in that spot in the first instance, and why they are allowed to break the fabric of this 15-16 million year old natural feature defeats me. Answers on a postcard (or email would suffice).
We carried on, bruised and battered and exceedingly wet, were delighted by Janet's Foss, a fairy dell worthy of a Shakespearean setting, and finally returned to Malham where a cuppa, c/o The Old Barn of course, slightly revived the senses.
Charles, obviously never a Boy Scout, was sartorially unprepared and apparently had to dry his trousers with a hair dryer in order to appear for the evening meal! He'd have rued not drying them, because dinner at River House Hotel was superbly cooked, and incredibly good value. The rooms were clean but could be improved by some revamping - but the food - in another league altogether. Again, highly recommended.

Left: Limestone pavement aka Moore sculptures atop Malham Cove.

Right: Libby finding the right direction in life

KIPPERS with everything

2008-06-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

It has been agreed on high that John Betjeman and John Piper could never have achieved their remarkable Shell Guides without the aid of kippers for breakfast and we have therefore resolved to partake of such at least once each and every time we embark upon a Piper Perambulation. Indeed such is the resolve of the team, that Chef Charles, the renowned proprietor of Hare in the Gate, has, on our behalf, imported and laid down in his freezer, dozens of the beasts, and not your everyday kipper, but MANX kippers no less, a pair of which are illustrated (before being happily devoured).

Piper Perambulation 1

2008-06-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

Alias PP1. Well, we're on the road - and the first point of call is, suitably enough, the Goldmark Gallery in Uppingham, where we interview the artist Rigby Graham about his memories of Piper and his critique of Piper's printmaking. Fascinating as always - Rigby is as ever erudite, articulated and insightful. And we had a corner of the gallery which is always devoted to Piper's work, so wall to wall prints and even a ceramic.

Lunch at the Gallery is a given if you happen to be in the vicinity - lots of good fresh food, buffet style on the table, staff and visitors all sitting down and chatting together - a ragout of philanthropy, democracy and hospitality - try it some day.

Followed by a visit to Oundle School to film the chapel windows designed by Piper, executed by Patrick Reyntiens - our host the inimitable Rev Ian Browne, who gathered together studies the school owned, then led us on an illuminating guided tour of the stained glass in the chapel (not just Piper but Hugh Easton and Mark Angus) and then chatted to camera about the symbolism of Piper's windows, a magical afternoon.

The Chapel, Rev Ian Browne and the Piper windows, Ian and Charles outside the chapel

business as usual

2008-06-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been spent flat out contacting people to see, places to go, images needed, weighing budgets, poring over maps, working out itineraries and reading books in scanning mode, for specific items mode and then just in depth - and I feel we've actually got somewhere, reached a suitable place in the vista. For one thing the first four Piper Perambulations (as we have decided to term the outings and interviews) have been planned in fine detail and the remainder are awaiting tuning, sifting and sieving.

Piper Perambulations

2008-05-25T04:27:00.000-07:00

Visited Charles on the way back from the monthly parental visit. We were supposed to be editing FBSG but I think we both realised that would be an impossibility, and concentrated instead on Piper. Out came the books and the images and the maps and the stickers whilst we charted Piper's 'favourite places' - far too many and all far too flung. We finally narrowed it down to 10 possible filming and interviewing trips, including Gordale Scar, Snowdonia, Portland Bill, Brighton, Romney Marshes, Coventry of course, Renishaw Hall, Henley area - and all to be accomplished before the onslaught of the dreaded short dark days. And all to be accomplished round already busy schedules, my monthly trip to Thornton etc etc. We finally co-ordinated dates but whether our interviewees will be available then is another matter. The delicate edifice could easily crumble, and with possible perambulations every 2 weeks from now until late September, this could prove a logistical nightmare. Watch this space! We also worked out responsibilities - I'm doing the research, sorting out itineraries etc. Charles has the onerous task of charging the batteries! Plus managing the budget - and with ten scheduled locations this will be thinly spread - or possibly just charge out of the window. Since Charles was due to film the potter Phil Rogers at Goldmark's on Friday, we also decided to mock up a flier which I finally completed about 10 minutes before Charles left for Uppingham. Phew. Talk about strong work ethics.
The photo shows the production team hard at work in the editing suite!
Meanwhile I've just read Piper's British Romantic Artists. I loved the description of Blake:
'Blake never obeyed rules made by anyone else. He broke ordinary rules all his life ... He was rare simply in his capacity to live fully.'
I've always been something of an iconoclast, a wild child, but life is so restrictive. I've felt the desire to live FULLY the last few years, be true to myself, but how can one without being free, without the responsibilities of family, and yet with financial stability. Answers on a postcard.
'To Generalize is to be an Idiot. To Particularize is the Alone Distinction of Merit. General Knowledges are those Knowledges that Idiots possess.' (Blake)

Visualisation

2008-05-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

I've always considered myself a pretty visual person - I can recall thousands of Brangwyn works if shown a study(another useless asset), at school I could recall the words on a page when trying to think of a relevant quote during an exam, I dream in colour, I daydream events to such an extent that half the time I can't really remember if they were in real time, I see life in filmic short shoots - but compared with Charles - I'm a mere novice. Having sent him my ideas for the film outline, he foraged around for a mere day, if that, and came up with a brilliant idea for the film opening, involving the entire cast watching the opening of the definitive version of Edith Sitwell's and William Walton's Facade behind a screen painted by Piper. But to give you all the details would be too much of a give away!

I find myself thinking the words and adding graphics to film but appreciate I ought not to be so word driven. It's probably the result of recent academia and having written so much and striven to be 100% accurate in the last few years - I'll have to relax more and allow the creative imaginative side more access!

JD

2008-04-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Monday morning was spent cleaning and clearing up and washing and shopping after a week away, plus attempting to get the better of the piles of mail and phone messages - bagged a few more NADFAS lectures which is good - all helps pay for the research. This accomplished, out come all the Piper books and papers and down to a concentrated study of same, finally shutting down the computer at 10pm in time to listen to the news.
Tuesday morning back to the grindstone, read and re-read, check some facts on the web - midday and my draft is sent off to Charles. He points out I should perhaps concentrate more on Piper's prints since Goldmark Art is all about such things, so, after some cleaning up of the house and a run to clear the brain and spark the imagination, it's back to the drawing board and multiple additions of associated prints. The whole process has been fascinating actually - finding out more about the Sitwells for one thing - and guess what, Osbert's boyfriend was a David Horner. A relation?

Brainstorming

2008-04-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

I arrived at Film Farm Thursday 24 April to be met by the good news that Charles has been commissioned by Mike Goldmark of Goldmark Art to produce a film about John Piper and I have been chosen as the art consultant. Yippee! We were supposed to be spending the next couple of days working on my podcast, DRIFTWOOD, and my own Frank Brangwyn Stained Glass DVD, but somehow Piper spread a cobwebby lattice over all, and thoughts and conversations rebounded on to the subject.
It's just the buzz and the adrenalin of something knew, another step into the unknown. We gave up the unequal struggle on Saturday and spent most of the day perusing books, making notes and finally brainstorming. Charles produced a mind map which I annotated and then we sat down to discuss priorities, interviewees, locations, dramatised scenes etc - our minds whirring with schemes, practical and otherwise (often the latter).
I departed Sunday with instructions to produce a film outline by Tuesday. Aaargh!