Nigel's Photo Blog

This evening I am posting images and information on certain murals celebrating famous Glaswegian comedian, Billy Connolly .In commemoration of Billy Connolly’s 75th birthday BBC Scotland commissioned three portraits of the comedian by top Scottish artists. In conjunction with Glasgow City Council representations of these original works were then installed around the city Connolly is also known as the ‘Big Yin’. This world famous entertainer once worked as a welder in Glasgow shipyards before he went on to develop a career as a musician, comedian and actor. Now Sir Billy, the retired comedian is currently battling Parkinson's disease.  A social housing organisation commissioned the 20ft by 16ft artwork immediately below which cost GBP45,000  (USD72,000) and which is now positioned on the wall of  a residential block in Anderston, close to where Connolly was born. The mural is the work of Andy Scott who has produced other pieces of public art around Glasgow . Orig...

 Introduction This evening, I am reporting on an interesting example of Scottish architecture. This is the Daily Record Building, one of a portfolio of extant designs by famous Glaswegian architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928). Daily Record Building, Renfield Lane, Glasgow Information on the Daily Record Building This building is located in central Glasgow, albeit on a rather grubby side street known as Renfield Lane. There is limited access to the interior, via a ground floor restaurant known as Stereo. On the plus side, Stereo is a good spot for lunch in course of a Mackintosh themed tour of Glasgow . Appreciation of the front elevation is restricted due to the narrowness of Renfield Lane. Here is a summary of key aspects: Designed 1901 by C.R.Mackintosh as a newspaper printing works. Comprises a six story block of offices west of a four storey printing works. Ground floor comprises prominent arches in red sandstone. Note vertical line of oriel windows...

 Introduction This evening I am reporting on the fine heritage property known as Somerset House which sits close to the Strand in London 's WC2 area.  Information on Somerset House This building was intended to impress; in fact to showcase Britain's global power and military might during the period of late 18th century imperialism.  Construction took place under the auspices of architect, Sir William Chambers (1723-1796) during the period 1775-1801. Chambers was the preeminent architect of his day who had travelled extensively and studied in Paris and Rome.This resulted in the pan-European neoclassical style of the subject property. Somerset House's primary function was to provide the headquarters of the Royal Navy with space allocated for various Civil Service departments which had, hitherto, been scattered across London. Chambers' solution to the challenges of his commission was to create interconnected buildings around a deep courtyard with Portland stone used to har...

Introduction This afternoon I am posting a portfolio of images and information relating to the art collection at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London . Background Information The collection was founded some 90 years ago by Samuel (1876-1947) and Elizabeth Courtauld. The former's ancestors were Huguenots (French Protestants) who settled in London during the late 17th century.They initially established a silversmith business then moved into textiles during Victorian times and finally viscose or rayon manufacture which generated substantial wealth. The collection was moved to Somerset House on the Strand in 1989 from where it has become established as the world's leading centre for teaching and research of art history. Over the years the original Courtauld collection has been expanded by donations from: Sir Robert Witt Roger Fry The Gambier-Parry family William Wycliffe Spooner Count Antoine Seilern. Some of the art on display can be seen in the images below. This portfolio i...

 River Thames with Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast taken about 7.00pm. Late last night my wife and I returned from a 3 day/ 2 night trip to London. This post contains a portfolio of images most of which were taken from the River Thames and environs.   Tower of London which dates back about 1000 years. View of HMS Belfast and Tower Bridge. Interesting architecture. More unusual architecture. The Shard, which is home to high quality office accommodation, hotel rooms and restaurants. Riverside architecture The London Eye , a ferris wheel type visitor attraction. Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Tour Boat Classic London buses travelling across one of the many bridges. Buckingham Palace, residence of British monarchs. Nelson's Column at Trafalgar Square. Part of London Underground (subway) map with stations replaced with Shakespearean characters. Some interesting place names. Dome of St. Paul's Cathedral at night. Close up of St. Paul's dome. Night-time skyline River view (wi...