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Hemsworth Roman Venus Mosaic

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  Introduction This evening, I am posting information on the Hemsworth Roman Villa in southern England with emphasis on a magnificent mosaic panel (from the villa) which is on display at the  British Museum in London . Information on the Hemsworth Venus Mosaic  The Hemsworth Villa was first located in 1831 but it seems that no action was taken at the time and agricultural work continued on the site until formal excavation took place in 1905-8. In the meantime continued deterioration of the archaeology occurred due to on-going agricultural work. The villa sits on a north facing slope of a chalk spur in the angle between two Roman roads which converge on Bradbury Rings. The early 20th century excavations suggest there may have been a main central block with projecting wings at each end, with a passage to another wing.This layout is fairly standard for 4th century luxury villas. Refer Chedworth , Brading and North Leigh .for examples. The villa is actually located at East...
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Corbridge Lanx: Roman Treasure

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  Tonight, I am re-posting my Corbridge page with emphasis on a magnificent example of Roman silverware (above). The item was actually found by a child on bank of nearby River Tyne in 1735. There are records of other Roman silver pieces found in the same area during 1731-1760 but these were probably melted down. River Tyne at Corbridge   The Corbridge hoard is one of many such hoards (e.g. Mildenhall)   which date to the late 4th century/early 5th century AD when the Romans withdrew from Britain leaving the former colony without defence. After some 350 years of integration within the Roman Empire the sudden withdrawal must have resulted in a traumatic effect on Britain's trade, security and social structures. At this time many hoards of silver and other valuables were hidden by the wealthy elite in the hope of later recovery which never happened. On the plus side the Roman withdrawal resulted in unlimited immigration of peoples from northern Europe and concomitant de...
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Very Early Image of Christ from Hinton St. Mary, England

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This afternoon I am reporting on one of the most important early Christian remains from the Roman Empire. In fact, the roundel is probably the earliest known mosaic picture of Christ. The mosaic (8.1m x 5.2 m) formed part of a beautifully decorated pavement (side walk) which was found by accident in 1963. This was later lifted and transported to the British Museum in London . Hinton St Mary (pop 227) is located about 125 miles SW of London. Interestingly, this village is just 10 miles north of Blandford Forum which is the site of a known Roman settlement .  In the Roman Empire Christianity received legal status in AD 313 and became the official religion in AD380.  The mosaic has been assigned a date of the 4th century AD which is consistent with Rome's official recognition of Christianity. Here is a video clip of the exhibit in the British Museum.   Clicking on the icon in bottom right of the video will result in a full screen version.  More information on Roman Bri...
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Mildenhall Treasure, England

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  Introduction This evening, I am reporting on the Mildenhall Treasure from the Roman era . Mildenhall is about 80 miles north of London , in East Anglia. Information on the Mildenhall Treasure  The Mildenhall Treasure is a large hoard of 34 masterpieces of Roman tableware silver from the fourth century AD. The objects are the most valuable from Roman Britain both artistically and by weight. The hoard was found at West Row near Mildenhall, Suffolk in 1942. There are over thirty items including the Great Dish. Total weight is over 8kg (18 lb).  The treasure comprises tableware of a style current in the 4th century AD and was probably concealed at some time in that century at the time Roman rule was coming to an end. Most of the objects are comparatively large and all are of very high workmanship. Here is the inventory: Two large serving platters. Two small decorated serving plates. One deep fluted bowl.  four large decorated bowls. Two small decorated bowls. Two small...
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Farmers Market at Jackton Distillery

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 Introduction This morning, my wife and myself attended a 'farmers market' at nearby Jackton Distillery. This was one of the few such markets in the Glasgow area which survived the overnight depredations of Storm Amy . Information on the products on offer.   To my mind the various products fall into the 'artisanal' category as opposed to direct connection with the land.However, we were impressed by the range and quality of goods on offer and returned home with bulging shopping bags. Bee and honey products  Shortbread and Oatcakes  Treats and miscellany Wine and related products from the distillery's French winery associate.   In addition to whisky, Jackton also produces beer.   Various butter options    Happy purveyor of tablet. This is a sugar rich product similar to fudge.     Samples   Pies, glorious pies!   More tablet. Food from the Indian sub-continent Overall, a worthwhile shopping experience.  More information Th...
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After effects of Storm Amy at Rouken Glen

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 Auldhouse Burn in full spate. Overnight, here in Glasgow , we had experienced the force of Storm Amy which produced strong winds, high levels of precipitation and some minor structural damage. Aware that the aftermath of such events usually provides some useful photographic opportunities I went for a walk around our local country park, Rouken Glen, the results of which are shown here. Another view of Auldhouse Burn, benefiting from a shaft of sunlight.  Houston we have a problem! A blown down branch blocking the pathway.   Waterfall video which captures the full torrent of water cascading down Auldhouse Burn.    More Information   For more information on Scotland’s landscapes, it’s cities and much more please refer to the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindl e.   
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Alasdair Gray Artwork

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This evening, I am posting images of artwork by Alasdair Gray (1934-2019) in what would have been the artist's 90th year.Gray was a Scottish writer and artist, best known for his novel, Lanark.The work is on display at Glasgow 's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum .   Four folk in Glasgow Publishing 1977.   Original artwork for the cover of Poor Things, published in 1992.   Two versions of artwork in progress for the jacket design for a book of short stories.  A working mother, 1994.    Dust jacket design for Old Negatives , 4 verse sequences 1952-1983   Working Legs, A Play for Those Without Them, 1997       Cowcaddens Streetscape in the Fifties, 1964.  (Cowcaddens is part of Glasgow.) Songs of Scotland , 1996 with representation of legendary fiddler, Niel Gow.    This post connects nicely with Scottish art, architecture and culture . More Information For more information on Glasgow and many other asp...
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