23 September 2012

OPEN HOUSE: THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS


As part of Open House London, I visited the Royal College of Physicians yesterday. The RCP building in Regent's Park was designed by Denys Lasdun. We were ably guided by Calder Barnabas, who wrote his PhD on Lasdun.

Lasdun is better known for the National Theatre, but the RCP building is equally successful, closer to the International Style than the Brutalist National Theatre. Several of the ideas Lasdun used in the National Theatre were first tried in the RCP.

19 September 2012

OPEN STUDIO: THE YEAR IN REVIEW



Autumn is the time for my Open Studio. I exhibit new work and on the studio shelves have what remains of last year's work at reduced prices.  Open Studio is a time to take stock and to see what I've achieved in the last twelve months.

18 September 2012

BOLOGNA: MODERN CITY, OLD SHOP SIGNS

http://www.ferdinandoveronesi.com/

Veronesi e Figli, a jeweller in Bologna, has kept its old shop front and old sign.  The sign has gilded lettering on a black background.  Such signs last a long time because the gilding and paint are behind the glass, but Veronesi, an upmarket firm, has kept the sign as part of its branding, not to economise. So have several other shops in the city.

7 September 2012

ARGILLÀ: FAENZA'S CERAMICS BIENNALE


Argillà, the ceramics biennale in Faenza, ran from 31 August to 2 September this year. The Corso Mazzini, Viale Ballardini and the Piazza del Popolo were closed to traffic and set aside for the 170 potters exhibiting, and anyone visiting Faenza could see their work for nothing.

The weather was perfect for an outdoor market. The heat wave of the previous weeks, when temperatures were in the upper thirties, had abated and there was warm sun. Plenty of bars, cafes and cafes had tables in the street and you could pause for a panini, a plate of pasta or an aperitif.