Stories of the World

Just visited this curious exhibition, Journeys - Stories of the World, at the Orleans House Gallery by the river at Twickenham. Inspired by the personal effects of explorer Sir Richard Burton (not the one who married Elizabeth Taylor several times), local young people and artists from around the world have created diverse responses.

The tent (at the top) with no entrance, is inspired by Burton's mausoleum. The fabric was silkscreened by a group of youngsters.

At the Stables Gallery next door is an exhibition by Richmond Printmakers. Also delightful, and very informative on the different types of printmaking.

Found feathers

'Moretonhampstead to Fingle Bridge'

I've just done this small edition of silkscreen prints entitled "Moretonhampstead to Fingle Bridge" inspired by a walk last Easter when we found celandines, Brimstone butterflies, sweet scented gorse and these lovely guinea fowl feathers.

The prints are an edition of 10, signed and numbered, 460mm x 380mm and priced at £80 unframed (+ p&p). Let me know if you'd like one.

Detail of 'Moretonhampstead to Fingle Bridge'

Adventures of Ideas

Just been doing a shoot ready for the refresh of the website. Just loved this Pelican paperback which belonged to my Dad.

Valentine's Day

From Tansy yesterday morning. Ahhhh....

Upsy Daisy Bakery

Always keen to support the local community, Ellen and I enjoyed a lovely cup of tea in Upsy Daisy Bakery, on King Street, just on the south side of Ravenscourt Park. The place is bright, airy and pretty (with lovely toilets, too). Although I thought they were a prime target for some Starch Green ceramics, I enjoyed their Burleigh Asiatic Pheasant very much. And I loved the daisies on the tables.

Sprung!

Snowdrops at Chiswick House and crocuses in Ravenscourt Park. Definite evidence that Spring is here. Lighter mornings, lighter evenings, birds singing. Look out for snow before Easter!

Xin Nian Kuai Le

This is, I hope, the Mandarin for 'Happy New Year'. Or in Cantonese 'Sun Leen Fai Chok'. The more common greeting amongst Chinese folks, and remembered from my very early years in Sarawak, is 'Gung Hay Fat Choy', an expression I always find very satisfying to say.

This delightful little film welcomes in the Year of the Rabbit, and says goodbye to the Tiger.

Year of the Rabbit from Frater on Vimeo.

Celebrations go on this Sunday. In London there's stuff in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and around Gerrard Street. The V&A are joining in the Chinese theme with their Imperial Chinese Robes from the Forbidden City