tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70576100890611945292024-03-13T22:30:28.368+00:00Rachel MarkwickRachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.comBlogger325125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-57979738925036130492021-05-15T09:02:00.002+01:002021-05-15T09:02:40.147+01:00Lockdown memories of Japan and an exhibition in Malmesbury Town Hall<p> Lockdown no 3 was tough, but having some great memories and many photographs to look back on was a definite plus! Five years ago we were in Japan and among the many amazing things we loved were the beautiful arrangements of flowers in some of the hotels and places of interest we visited. Ikebana is the term used in Japan for these simple but meaningful displays and they are placed in a tokonoma or alcove often with a scroll with Japanese characters, or picture hanging behind. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxu-ebLCngO8rBbA3EWSBMgxMCenPiC-YCyU5oifzZAe8Kz-aG7qo41OSfBBZVkxMcGUyap0UA0ugjMrBaFbzePdt3aOcfejA8FKVspC0q6lAMTM4QsQPaGlzmMepwwwRq-25nzENJs4/s1197/ikebana+4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="817" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxu-ebLCngO8rBbA3EWSBMgxMCenPiC-YCyU5oifzZAe8Kz-aG7qo41OSfBBZVkxMcGUyap0UA0ugjMrBaFbzePdt3aOcfejA8FKVspC0q6lAMTM4QsQPaGlzmMepwwwRq-25nzENJs4/s320/ikebana+4.jpeg" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />These displays inspired me to make my own versions, using collage, incorporating some of the papers, stamps and other items gathered while travelling. Tatami mats are used in houses throughout Japan, and paper screens are also still used in many traditional homes. <p></p><p>I wasn't expecting to exhibit these pictures, but was recently invited to do so, alongside the beautiful Japanese watercolours of Katsumi Harada, late father of Junko Lake who I met just before we went to Japan and who gave me Japanese lessons, which proved invaluable during our travels! </p><p>The exhibition will be at Malmesbury Town Hall from Friday 28th May until Friday 18th June 2021, closed Sundays and Bank Holiday Monday 31st May. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />A separate blog will give the biography of Katsumi Harada. <p></p>Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-24951390965191475352020-07-22T16:06:00.002+01:002020-07-22T16:06:16.615+01:00What's in the box?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">No, this wasn't what was in the box! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I collected a sealed box today from the agent who acted on my behalf in obtaining a commission from Japan 5 years ago. I was excited to see what was inside and found these lovely sample items which had been sent at the time of the launch, by Afternoon Tea, who produced them, using my artwork, for sale in their many stores throughout Japan !</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Look carefully and you will see my stamp collage designs on mugs, packaging and labelling on tea bags, bubble bath, body wash and bath pearls! I was so pleased to receive this prestigious commission and it's lovely to be able to keep these pretty items now ! And Emerald was just as excited to get in the empty box! </span>Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-1412309383912516802020-06-04T19:26:00.001+01:002020-06-04T19:26:56.672+01:00Mobile Post office near the canal at Brimscombe on its weekly visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wasn’t expecting to come across this mobile post office after a walk along the canal tow path, but when we reached Brimscombe we found this one parked near The Ship Inn on its weekly visit. Since the closure of many village post offices this service has become a vital link for many people. On Thursdays, it starts at Kingscote, 9-10, Shipton Moyne 10.30-11.30, Chalford 12.30-1.30, Brimscombe 1.45-3.15, Whitminster 3.45-4.45. Avening, and Duntisbourne among many others. The post van vists other areas on four days of the week. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Wearing my face mask, as was the counter assistant, I boarded the van and bought a few stamps! </span><br />
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Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-41613688582119711892020-06-04T16:19:00.000+01:002020-06-04T16:19:20.163+01:00Scribbling .. and connecting with Cy Twombly I had fun recently, scribbling away, testing pens, felt tips, coloured pencils, some of dubious quality, and sharpening pencils at record breaking speed with my newly acquired battery powered sharpener.<br />
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A couple of sheets of satisfying scribble resulted.<br />
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A friend had mentioned the American artist Cy Twombly, whose work is, to be polite, beyond my understanding and I commented that this may be how he made some of his work. But joking apart, I recalled reading that he had lived for periods of time in Italy in a small town called Bassano in Teverina, an hour or so away from Rome where we spent a holiday, 7 years ago, staying in a very old house full of character. I tried at that time to find out where it was that Cy Twombly had been living, but I never knew found out exactly where, or indeed if he had ever lived there. But now, with time to look back at photos, sketch books etc, and doing a bit of research with a view to appreciating his work, as some obviously do, I finally located a photo of the Palazzo which he had owned and renovated, and where he produced a lot of his work, some of which I have found a little more interesting, and possibly even inspiring. The massive old building looked familiar, and we had indeed passed it on walks.<br />
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We'd been given use of a swimming pool in a large garden, which was a 20 minute walk from the house where we were staying, descending the cobbled streets of the town and meandering along pine tree lined paths. I spent a couple of afternoons sketching and painting the scene from the poolside but I didn't know then that I had unwittingly drawn the back view of Cy's house - with its three arched tower. This revelation is almost as exciting to me as my newly discovered electric sharpener. <br />
I'm no closer in understanding his work but for some reason am now becoming more intrigued by it and I feel it may lead me to explore different ways of working,but hopefully something other than just scribbling!<br />
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Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-87691633450884943202020-05-21T13:44:00.002+01:002020-05-21T13:44:25.596+01:00Letters and cards in lockdown .. It's always great to receive letters! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I received a lovely letter today from an elderly lady, a customer who bought a collage from me years ago, and has also become a good friend. Like me, she has been busy, writing letters, phoning friends, gardening, reading and she lives with her family so is well looked after.<br />
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As she writes and receives so many letters, she often sends me stamps which I can use in my stamp collages and often buys a selection of cards. I hope I've chosen well this time : 5 large A5, 5 medium A6 and 5 square cards, all with envelopes in a variety of designs. There are many more on my website www.rachelmarkwick.co.uk including ships, flags, flowers, landmarks and some more abstract designs. I'm offering these at 5 for ÂŁ10 to include postage within UK. Please get in touch by e mail :<br />
markwickfamily@aol.com or facebook messenger if you'd like some too!Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-78087525458536939412020-04-28T11:55:00.001+01:002020-04-28T11:55:14.832+01:00What's the story, Morning Glory?I love Morning Glory, a beautiful deep blue climbing plant, which I remember seeing growing everywhere when we were in Turkey more than 20 years ago ..and had to get the photos out ...<br />
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I've tried growing it myself but without any success, but having given my green-fingered friend Beth some seeds, she has managed year after year to produce some wonderful blooms! And last year she gathered some of the seeds and gave me a packet which I've planted and also some seedlings she has grown, which look decidedly healthier than mine. I'm eagerly awaiting a brilliant show of colour in a couple of months time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQoiibHa29nmRe7xftFY3EDi0tbqCOLiGW2D6mkZLgkXBh4j2H52UMtgAyr0O3lFtXag0Rd9RBK8dEI3vsyudSz44ZX_gjp-5OAR2hcxrz45JnxpZbk9la5yyYqDSROT8JvUNe35nFwI/s1600/P1210474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQoiibHa29nmRe7xftFY3EDi0tbqCOLiGW2D6mkZLgkXBh4j2H52UMtgAyr0O3lFtXag0Rd9RBK8dEI3vsyudSz44ZX_gjp-5OAR2hcxrz45JnxpZbk9la5yyYqDSROT8JvUNe35nFwI/s320/P1210474.JPG" width="320" /></a>But if not, I'll have to make do with some Morning Glories on a couple of Japanese stamps I came across today .. they're going in my 2021 diary.See previous post of 30th March on how I made a 2021 dairy to put in all those dates cancelled from 2020. You can find it on my website, <br />
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www.rachelmarkwick.co.uk - blog. You may like to make one too. I'll be putting one of these stamps on one of next year's pages - and hoping to do that when the first flower appears.<br />
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Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-65925694891503385922020-04-27T19:28:00.003+01:002020-04-27T19:28:41.380+01:00Stamp Rainbows and rainbows on stamps <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Children everywhere have been making rainbows tohelp cheer us up during this dreadful time of Coronavirus pandemic and I was inspired to make one too, using stamps.</div>
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Yellow stamps, as always were the most difficult to find, but I eventually found just enough from GB, France, USA and Japan to complete the yellow band of the rainbow. On a second rainbow I cheated slightly and used gold 1st class stamps! This was an absorbing activity for a few hours and while making my collage, I was contemplating the sad reality of how many lives have now been lost in so many of countries where my stamps have come from. The iconic US stamp featuring the Statue of Liberty, a proud symbol of New York, is a poignant reminder of how tragically large cities are the worst affected by the virus. </div>
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<br />Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-34208349155263093312020-04-05T21:51:00.004+01:002020-04-05T21:51:34.610+01:00Teddy Bear on a stamp - Keep Smiling! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We all love Teddy bears, or Teddies for short! Originally named after the American President Theodore Roosevelt, who on a bear hunting expedition in 1902, refused to kill a bear which had been captured. He said the huntsmen's behaviour was "unsportsmanlike". When the story became known, an enterprising toy maker produced toy bears, and asked permission to call them "Teddy Bears".<br />
Unsurprisingly, teddy bears also feature on postage stamps of many countries, and the delightful one shown hear is part of a set of Greetings stamps, issued here in 2000.<br />
Known Smilers, they all feature smiling characters, such as the Mona Lisa, Laughing Policeman, and Cheshire cat, but this is my favourite and will be going in my 2021 diary to brighten up the week.Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-25562173285885448932020-04-04T12:44:00.001+01:002020-04-04T12:44:11.652+01:00Cuckoo .. the best ever!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6rZpdJwPnUnJ51Lbi_DDzGr3mQvVmzhOqTnzs6DD_xSfL_USiGvJTsfJd6m5tPa745zuHSqK_o22BMuwowQdc8rylF1nNWvwPt_6EpCc0NCxwkRJMaamDeABaQyOVGBtfVZQ_hMHhxw/s1600/P1210395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6rZpdJwPnUnJ51Lbi_DDzGr3mQvVmzhOqTnzs6DD_xSfL_USiGvJTsfJd6m5tPa745zuHSqK_o22BMuwowQdc8rylF1nNWvwPt_6EpCc0NCxwkRJMaamDeABaQyOVGBtfVZQ_hMHhxw/s320/P1210395.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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Eagerly waiting to see if this year will bring the Cuckoo back to nearby woodlands. It's years since I heard one loud and clear. In fact, I have to say that it was back in 2006 when we were in France celebrating my late mum's 80th birthday and we heard what was from then on, always known as "the best ever cuckoo". <br />
With the Coronavirus Pandemic, less human activity outside, less traffic and pollution, some species of wildlife are more evident in our countryside and also in towns. We've had a deer regularly visiting our garden, wild goats have been seen roaming the streets in Wales, our cat has brought in a newt and a slowworm, which happily I managed to rescue and re-release, so hopefully the Cuckoo may soon reappear.<br />
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I looked to see if I had any cuckoos on stamps, and surprisingly there aren't so many .. other birds are common to find, such as Robins, other garden birds, birds of prey and game birds, but I did track down these two issued in Czechoslovakia in 1972. One of these will be going into my home made diary sometime in April, hopefully in a week or so ...Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-77135446385295962932020-03-30T14:12:00.003+01:002020-03-30T14:12:54.187+01:00Make your own 2021 diary .. and look forward to filling it next year! Pick a note book, any notebook ... who hasn't got a spare one lying around ??<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg92wFd9C3Wq8vuBaImWiW_l1i_0mWp-0kVByRxNU20kSqYQy8yIx4A3T18G5owslgnn-1ZVQv8DUnFVQ3xLVGVrqWiEZSE5rzyoeoKbbLMr1kb7VGCZ3NRmdBeEHIZZtPwczL2gx0RYQ/s1600/P1210318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg92wFd9C3Wq8vuBaImWiW_l1i_0mWp-0kVByRxNU20kSqYQy8yIx4A3T18G5owslgnn-1ZVQv8DUnFVQ3xLVGVrqWiEZSE5rzyoeoKbbLMr1kb7VGCZ3NRmdBeEHIZZtPwczL2gx0RYQ/s320/P1210318.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I chose the one in the centre with recycled hammock fabric!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumC2d1Wta6_gF58jk4kbhKNyn14Y49vHj3Mq23bxCMi-25pgnnBZ-TWAenDVd6v-qTqtfVA-eY429B3kWqL126BQPJMcsm7UsjUoNTF-i6FE7dlYgJ3caRhtxPqSNAHhNv5_-Lg89kU4/s1600/P1210325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1600" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumC2d1Wta6_gF58jk4kbhKNyn14Y49vHj3Mq23bxCMi-25pgnnBZ-TWAenDVd6v-qTqtfVA-eY429B3kWqL126BQPJMcsm7UsjUoNTF-i6FE7dlYgJ3caRhtxPqSNAHhNv5_-Lg89kU4/s200/P1210325.JPG" width="200" /></a>My 2020 diary is looking very sorry for itself, with cancelled appointments no work, , family events including a wedding no longer happening and generally a mess of crossings out , but some things are already being rescheduled for 2021, including the wedding (Yay!!) and I found myself without a diary. Reluctant to buy online to save money and delivery problems, I decided it would be easy to make one myself! I wanted to make the diary pages more interesting and looked through my stamps for inspiration!<br />
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For each week, I'm choosing a stamp to head up the page and discovering more interesting stories or reviving memories through them. I felt the USA stamp issued in 1961, showing a "Nurse lighting the candle of dedication" issued in honour of Nurses was an appropriate choice in the current Coronavirus pandemic. I wonder if countries around the world will eventually issue stamps such as this to honour so many people working to help us all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9y6Gr_dFpFdxCiPwoSZn4T3MaV7xu4wS4Bp9s15VjSYO6dmjmVUiQhEI0YiGNr9K0Z_gfNMiwU50y8xOI9I5A6jcBkR9WUfxPjkTCxABTpFTTXH-e3Wj-p3IIOQwVFLUG0Id5n18K19g/s1600/P1210330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9y6Gr_dFpFdxCiPwoSZn4T3MaV7xu4wS4Bp9s15VjSYO6dmjmVUiQhEI0YiGNr9K0Z_gfNMiwU50y8xOI9I5A6jcBkR9WUfxPjkTCxABTpFTTXH-e3Wj-p3IIOQwVFLUG0Id5n18K19g/s640/P1210330.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My notebook is 21 x 16 cms and I've ruled lines across 2 pages for each week. USA stamp issued in 1961 to honour nurses</td></tr>
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Making a diary could become a yearly event as there are so many stamps to choose from! Like my collages, stamps have stories to tell and I hope you will enjoy reading some of them! Why not make your own 2021 diary, choosing your own "weekly picture" to add? It could be a small photograph, a fabric swatch, magazine cutting, a drawing, inspirational quote or your own stamps... endless possibilities. All you need is a notebook with enough pages for 52 weeks and any additional information you may want to include, some glue, a pen/pencil and a ruler. You could even cover the notebook if it's a plain one. I've used more of my recycled hammock fabric which has already made several tote bags, and a pair of shorts!!Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-73393690046280008612020-03-27T20:31:00.000+00:002020-03-27T20:31:28.171+00:00What are you reading? Among other things, I've been reading about stamps. Now is a time for catching up on some reading!<br />
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This interesting little book was given to me by a friend who visited the British Library earlier this year, and I've only just got round to reading it! I was unaware that The British Library has many important stamp collections including the entire collection donated by Industrialist and MP Thomas Tapling (1855-91) .<br />
Stamps have been issued to raise revenue, support disaster funds, commemorate historic events and people, and are a great way of learning interesting facts about the world. Included in this little book are some very old and rare examples of stamps, many of which have printing and colour errors making them extremely valuable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80mzuWJ-4JxNpIGBj-5gd7AkXEqUypKys7n6XL5Q-qUIpZsL3GVKA5WYqI4YqvpCbEGGjjwDNEv2mRfnqwUXeWb62DwoDriSyfQbd0Ivo0zsBs1P5mIfLah6exB1UazrEMHdqA-Ikuf8/s1600/P1210306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1600" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80mzuWJ-4JxNpIGBj-5gd7AkXEqUypKys7n6XL5Q-qUIpZsL3GVKA5WYqI4YqvpCbEGGjjwDNEv2mRfnqwUXeWb62DwoDriSyfQbd0Ivo0zsBs1P5mIfLah6exB1UazrEMHdqA-Ikuf8/s320/P1210306.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Some of the stamps in this collection are the only ones in existence, but that didn't stop me looking through an old stamp album to see if I had any items which might be rare or valuable. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FZTtFDwM8FZi2T-e9b0rjTHZfP9n8t-MqJ129vLewKI-nNm56Fr6STN22VvWDHwzG9Ro37f53UpdNzjYUMbciqaODsAqYZIZx81mr2vL685Pmt_kn8RCX_AF9nXEoEQ7yx5VcqGNOVo/s1600/P1210299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FZTtFDwM8FZi2T-e9b0rjTHZfP9n8t-MqJ129vLewKI-nNm56Fr6STN22VvWDHwzG9Ro37f53UpdNzjYUMbciqaODsAqYZIZx81mr2vL685Pmt_kn8RCX_AF9nXEoEQ7yx5VcqGNOVo/s640/P1210299.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
No such luck - these Swan stamps issued in Western Australia are worth just a few pence, but I enjoyed perusing my own stock of beautifully designed little artworks and appreciating the details even more.<br />
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If you have a stamp collection of your own, or have perhaps inherited one, now could be the time to look closely at your stamps and you may find great treasures too!<br />
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Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-68536496143897027372020-03-27T16:47:00.000+00:002020-03-27T16:47:02.447+00:00R M S Mauretania with Coquet island, Northumberland<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RMS Mauretania - Stamp Collage - by Rachel Markwick </td></tr>
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More time at home, due to the Coronovirus situation requiring us to Stay Home, means more time to complete a project which has been a long time in the making, or I should say, mullng over .Previous posts have mentioned R M S Mauretania, the beautiful Cunard liner, and the Puffins of Coquet island, as well as a trip to Bristol where I managed to talk my way into the now disused Mauretania pub which contains some of the fixtures and fittings of the ship. The last thing to do was to add the masts and rigging sewn into the paper. I've really enjoyed the research, reading about the ship's various transformations over the years, in both wartime and peacetime, and have used some artist's licence with the paint colours which were the original ones when she was first launched, and of course the scale of the Puffins!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-d1U9KX9bTu6xh1v9F3Fxyw1rLTZ5PdDVlVPlk212yaMOylVzMMYT0weUuosWrYzOG58czu2DSQeJuAuz-beiCsjSvQtPLYFwrV6MV5n6Fpiw8VFQSbOkgOFXvNIDZZ6SEdkGQZEe7Q/s1600/P1210311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-d1U9KX9bTu6xh1v9F3Fxyw1rLTZ5PdDVlVPlk212yaMOylVzMMYT0weUuosWrYzOG58czu2DSQeJuAuz-beiCsjSvQtPLYFwrV6MV5n6Fpiw8VFQSbOkgOFXvNIDZZ6SEdkGQZEe7Q/s400/P1210311.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail : Coquet Island off the coast of Amble, Northumberland </td></tr>
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Hope you like it! .<br />
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I will have prints available in the near future when life gets back to normal. Please let me know if you are interested.Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-70497660580618199052020-03-25T19:36:00.002+00:002020-03-25T19:36:56.702+00:00Puffins on Coquet Island, on stamps and at Middlesbrough's Dorman Museum .. and in a new collageMy first sight of live puffins was on a boat trip to Coquet Island in Northumberland from Amble. last July <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOakoyxdblprS_3QzXnNV-0VvZwDXD3TY8ESdgFY2JlVtU1Ad8HooMpKU9-qnHQe4Uul-eFhwOvc0BepA45IvmHgdnIbWtVejJNTwJP50IwRC88425jXm0EasW31EVyVxB9WNF73j6VqE/s1600/P1180927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOakoyxdblprS_3QzXnNV-0VvZwDXD3TY8ESdgFY2JlVtU1Ad8HooMpKU9-qnHQe4Uul-eFhwOvc0BepA45IvmHgdnIbWtVejJNTwJP50IwRC88425jXm0EasW31EVyVxB9WNF73j6VqE/s640/P1180927.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Up to 22,000 pairs were currently on the island, although by the end of July each year they migrate to other climes. Coquet Island is protected by the RSPB to ensure that the puffins are relatively undisturbed and able to survive and breed, so our boat, operated by Dave Gray and family was able to get within viewing distance of the numbered nest boxes but not authorised to land. We also saw Common Terns and the rarer Roseate Terns, of which there are more than 100 pairs on the island.. Expert eyes were able to pick out the latter. Puffins have featured on postage stamps, including a set of British birds appropriately commemorating the centenary of the RSPB in 1989 and a Post and Go series of bird stamps from Lino Prints by artist Robert Gilmor also included a puffin. I'm now working on a new collage, the ship R.M.S. Mauretania which sailed by the town on Amble, and Coquet island on her last journey and Puffins will feature! Hoping that with more time at home, this collage will soon be finished! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qzbShtCueMRc49xXy7OfDc3ZcyeY0jxaOs9aeFrPjyOQ_aFLVJNBuFdXQKHb0USkyCIA_DdVI2rJhFNIVbxobXriZh3iD3JQuk7-rCOD_37v45oonx3z_FWzG0wVR6Fs5-8DCGNHNbk/s1600/P1190380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qzbShtCueMRc49xXy7OfDc3ZcyeY0jxaOs9aeFrPjyOQ_aFLVJNBuFdXQKHb0USkyCIA_DdVI2rJhFNIVbxobXriZh3iD3JQuk7-rCOD_37v45oonx3z_FWzG0wVR6Fs5-8DCGNHNbk/s640/P1190380.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As usually happens when one becomes interested in a particular subject, we also came across a whole room of taxidermy in the Dorman Museum in Middlesbrough, where I was born.<br />
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<br />Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-8782397649103971042020-03-17T17:04:00.001+00:002020-03-17T17:06:45.382+00:00Inspiration .. Mauretania - and the Storms of life ... work in progress<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mauretania - work in progress</td></tr>
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<b>The inspiration for my latest stamp collage came when we visited Amble in Northumberland last year on Mauretania day!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNGWgXNWkdP3R6SkRuuJKvIaIQXql_5xATGy_zKew_ePtpOm1U6dF3wUrF2tq3jalMK7I5P53Ex0JYibsVknGeV4EEXfZATEqQpIYHUSKlR2mFHzj5-ThneM6umYoqFbknW9LnUhITbM/s1600/P1180684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1175" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNGWgXNWkdP3R6SkRuuJKvIaIQXql_5xATGy_zKew_ePtpOm1U6dF3wUrF2tq3jalMK7I5P53Ex0JYibsVknGeV4EEXfZATEqQpIYHUSKlR2mFHzj5-ThneM6umYoqFbknW9LnUhITbM/s400/P1180684.JPG" width="293" /></a><br />
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Every year in July the people of "the friendliest port" remember this beautiful ship when she sailed by the town on her last voyage before being broken up. (see poster on right ).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCikS3dvrVSlfJfjLLsF5ICxp6M3kxO8Ctq5EtdjUI8LVab4UZBT7XQkqBjNcAF1cvCorm28YY60AxfCTbdzDDrWyHYbbEb15cLJK65n1Qcwsx9wHp50CgHWhDbmDMe3puwRbda7w6do/s1600/P1210287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCikS3dvrVSlfJfjLLsF5ICxp6M3kxO8Ctq5EtdjUI8LVab4UZBT7XQkqBjNcAF1cvCorm28YY60AxfCTbdzDDrWyHYbbEb15cLJK65n1Qcwsx9wHp50CgHWhDbmDMe3puwRbda7w6do/s320/P1210287.JPG" width="179" /></a>While there I attended Cafe Church where I was welcomed in with tea and cake and some lovely chat with locals and other holiday makers. <br />
The informal service was held under a gazebo and we shared stories on a travel theme, and sang this hymn, "Will your anchor hold in the storms of Life?" I hadn't heard it before, but now it seems a very good message!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGb0N-d8SEhb6jJ0FWYZ_TIOhpLvbGepEwEclRKayS1c_Ul9NqStACmPaKaS6D4bIEUjHNMNHQ7jIchhzNuPsDbB0ma6bATXUqPTzFRkFjgBp3T3sulStPz8BzTsxyvZ17pFGZh-JkiGs/s1600/P1210286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGb0N-d8SEhb6jJ0FWYZ_TIOhpLvbGepEwEclRKayS1c_Ul9NqStACmPaKaS6D4bIEUjHNMNHQ7jIchhzNuPsDbB0ma6bATXUqPTzFRkFjgBp3T3sulStPz8BzTsxyvZ17pFGZh-JkiGs/s400/P1210286.JPG" width="400" /></a> Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-34630550271938389322020-03-14T11:29:00.002+00:002020-03-14T11:29:14.289+00:00One hundred and eighty! Dart Board .. in stamps! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hoping to still be able to go ahead with an exhibition at the Stirrup Cup, Bisley during April and May where this will be hanging along with other stamp collage pictures. Will confirm details as soon as possible! </div>
<br />Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-60606291285395141722019-12-01T10:08:00.002+00:002019-12-01T10:08:57.508+00:00Stamp collage Toucan .. but which one? <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM6Y6icddCXZS-JXVs5byTNEvLPXtq_Spu3U9A0zUeGuypg26x35puuwONG72R6XosGv1wU2xuNUhyphenhyphenmzba-uh2GJEcuXecfyNoeMdzoORb6TYh4ZTXfdg41DFWH_sPLExrJHv0L2uD6Q/s1600/P1200847+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1142" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM6Y6icddCXZS-JXVs5byTNEvLPXtq_Spu3U9A0zUeGuypg26x35puuwONG72R6XosGv1wU2xuNUhyphenhyphenmzba-uh2GJEcuXecfyNoeMdzoORb6TYh4ZTXfdg41DFWH_sPLExrJHv0L2uD6Q/s640/P1200847+%25282%2529.JPG" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keel-billed Toucan - the National bird of Belize<br /></td></tr>
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You may have seen my previous post and will have read that there are 43 species of Toucan, but I have chosen the Keel-billed Toucan to collage using stamps from countries including Great Britain, France, India, and Germany as well as postcards for the tree branch. <br /><br />Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-66647719191685177042019-11-29T19:34:00.001+00:002019-11-29T19:36:40.880+00:00Toucans - on stamps, but sadly not so easy to see in the wild <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRqBOVsdRx7v8BuT10hsXXq0edpdxaLPW2wHyesX7Ioc_-Np75IrEuPGyi9YdkmW3E5wONsazH_6hM9ZzmvqiC0TdsjKd4xYM0bsa8KacZ5bq6dD0mVw0bc828cn7lQqsZgG27lu2RKY/s1600/Keel-billed-Toucan-Ramphastos-sulfuratus%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="381" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRqBOVsdRx7v8BuT10hsXXq0edpdxaLPW2wHyesX7Ioc_-Np75IrEuPGyi9YdkmW3E5wONsazH_6hM9ZzmvqiC0TdsjKd4xYM0bsa8KacZ5bq6dD0mVw0bc828cn7lQqsZgG27lu2RKY/s320/Keel-billed-Toucan-Ramphastos-sulfuratus%25281%2529.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
Toucans can be seen in parts of Guatemala, Mexico and Belize, where we were this time last year, but sadly the only ones we found were a rather elderly looking stuffed Keel Billed Toucan in the Cultural centre in San Ignacio, Belize, (NICH) and others featured in murals, and one made out of tyres! The Keel Billed Toucan is Belize's national bird, and I was surprised at its size. There are 42 different species of Toucan, but some are now endangered due to widespread deforestation, which has destroyed their habitat. The Toco toucan, the largest of all the toucans, is so far not endangered as it is more adaptable.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keel Billed toucan at NICH - Cultural centre, San Ignacio</td></tr>
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Keen to make a Toucan stamp collage I've gathered photos and some stamps<br />
together to provide me with inspiration! Collage to follow soon!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbAJ1t02T8Sy04QTiPkg3EuVaTvsSBvB0dOa3f6juQNZLbVXOwlQ0dNwlx8ztygblgZuN8tgOQibrMnuklLQ8om3USggDR8BoaKQX_g8yEM5uZqLb87-epnG-JxPLjm76N8rxpZsdbnA/s1600/IMG_6482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbAJ1t02T8Sy04QTiPkg3EuVaTvsSBvB0dOa3f6juQNZLbVXOwlQ0dNwlx8ztygblgZuN8tgOQibrMnuklLQ8om3USggDR8BoaKQX_g8yEM5uZqLb87-epnG-JxPLjm76N8rxpZsdbnA/s200/IMG_6482.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mural - San Ignacio, Belize </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ5FAHzu9quPxTvObOShoc_z_epgKll_18raJt_XmN3ePsrhRbN-K5uGlo4gc0hxYz5jJ1PBKjec1Nkw4DgsRqd9qh92mRdJkB7gzryGzYZLSYADCJUqLUSJjdxD67fBlt_cTz5xcNQc/s1600/P1160089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ5FAHzu9quPxTvObOShoc_z_epgKll_18raJt_XmN3ePsrhRbN-K5uGlo4gc0hxYz5jJ1PBKjec1Nkw4DgsRqd9qh92mRdJkB7gzryGzYZLSYADCJUqLUSJjdxD67fBlt_cTz5xcNQc/s200/P1160089.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mural -Playa del Carmen, Mexico</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQWZ6QSb_Rr4nVuxp3oe8QW4U5nt2XErNJHPdFboHzx0X-M0trfARX3lnV4JH-MlnsNUDfgiSwYTWeDzTowrwnaJ4jwI7wRTO5e9X4oAtgvikUwNj1PVcPDozwx9DWxUCQ0tAy4dZ4lY/s1600/P1140357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQWZ6QSb_Rr4nVuxp3oe8QW4U5nt2XErNJHPdFboHzx0X-M0trfARX3lnV4JH-MlnsNUDfgiSwYTWeDzTowrwnaJ4jwI7wRTO5e9X4oAtgvikUwNj1PVcPDozwx9DWxUCQ0tAy4dZ4lY/s320/P1140357.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toucan made from tyres </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizR6RVtMl2BXv_wu0coIKP7pH5YQWdmRM-n_bRv8xWHTaRKR8uglVm9ENh5kKfnSf3RT0my0OsCVso6NJLbJnsF1rDzkx8_99_pLsTsvO1DbI96c5RyoPmvMtk_Fxd4-o1hh1IIxonOYI/s1600/Four+different+toucans+on+stamps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizR6RVtMl2BXv_wu0coIKP7pH5YQWdmRM-n_bRv8xWHTaRKR8uglVm9ENh5kKfnSf3RT0my0OsCVso6NJLbJnsF1rDzkx8_99_pLsTsvO1DbI96c5RyoPmvMtk_Fxd4-o1hh1IIxonOYI/s640/Four+different+toucans+on+stamps.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just four of more than 40 different varieties of Toucans are featured on this sheet of Guyanan stamps : The Yellow Throated, Toco (the largest of the Toucans), Keel-Billed and White Throated toucans. </div>
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Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-15549202683668008972019-11-10T18:16:00.003+00:002019-11-11T09:34:10.139+00:00My Stamp collage prints are in this beautiful holiday cottage in Wiltshire <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUPJvvMNYcn_BQLWEc9tNYfasUQi8lnouW7QBy-ikQJL03g39sv0Ok_HCbC7J1QzUMZe7u-oxaKD8eCStoHiz0hjKyZM0-my5gqmC5vfXju0-YgizVHAkmhyphenhyphencc26900itnCFFaqElAVA/s1600/IMG_2034+x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUPJvvMNYcn_BQLWEc9tNYfasUQi8lnouW7QBy-ikQJL03g39sv0Ok_HCbC7J1QzUMZe7u-oxaKD8eCStoHiz0hjKyZM0-my5gqmC5vfXju0-YgizVHAkmhyphenhyphencc26900itnCFFaqElAVA/s320/IMG_2034+x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The owner of this beautiful 4 bedroomed holiday cottage in Garsdon near Malmesbury, Wiltshire chose several of my stamp collage pictures to decorate the dining room and bedrooms and it's always great to see how pictures look on someone else's walls!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr7pwzCiy0cXpflfPMAMSwQhVq5YeFptK92iWkhbirYssG6uDDAFESvNG6RGZJ4G6zygKMAqNL7pSGxImvgyH4T4hch2kh8H6wB9s1NwH32hSxDfqo4KK8NnUhdghSpzxalD4eBgm31w/s1600/IMG_1904+x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr7pwzCiy0cXpflfPMAMSwQhVq5YeFptK92iWkhbirYssG6uDDAFESvNG6RGZJ4G6zygKMAqNL7pSGxImvgyH4T4hch2kh8H6wB9s1NwH32hSxDfqo4KK8NnUhdghSpzxalD4eBgm31w/s640/IMG_1904+x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A large canvas print of The Carp stamp collage looks great against the sage green wall of the dining room, and two framed giclee prints of garden scenes all made from stamps decorate the twin bedroom, with the grey frames chosen here toning well with the overall colour scheme, and very much in a cottage style.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carp - stamp collage </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3szd08OvPr4PHl5ouc4qZ8RzuTkFbdBpJc94xJbvJM7DENo-j1MhqZSbaNm5oBl5U6lksmiYJUzUSo2F8P6DaZ1wAxm9m7vzxxGD2A41773-8rHG-nPHT9gtVase4lBRqkv34pZGF6s/s1600/IMG_1692+x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3szd08OvPr4PHl5ouc4qZ8RzuTkFbdBpJc94xJbvJM7DENo-j1MhqZSbaNm5oBl5U6lksmiYJUzUSo2F8P6DaZ1wAxm9m7vzxxGD2A41773-8rHG-nPHT9gtVase4lBRqkv34pZGF6s/s640/IMG_1692+x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEQKEc4nT-tilfBbt8SH6HakJzGId29RKD1AHFBLeXb_dN4ua2WjR6QdJpM6PPcPJRbrFwKfRL2CGvt_-FdijXFWsD3Z88iurWe3Eend6v96PBLTfotDmWXgS4fsCG8ZjVdqfAXZWwcI/s1600/Markwick.Rachel.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="676" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEQKEc4nT-tilfBbt8SH6HakJzGId29RKD1AHFBLeXb_dN4ua2WjR6QdJpM6PPcPJRbrFwKfRL2CGvt_-FdijXFWsD3Z88iurWe3Eend6v96PBLTfotDmWXgS4fsCG8ZjVdqfAXZWwcI/s400/Markwick.Rachel.jpg.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secret Garden Giclee print stamp collage</td></tr>
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The property is a spacious 4 bedroom cottage on two floors, with a large garden in a quiet lane surrounded by fields and open countryside, with lovely views. It is ideal for families of up to 8, with dogs also welcome. To see more photos of the entire property, see www.sykescottages.co.uk property reference 12186.<br />
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And for more information and pictures of my stamp collages including those shown here, www.rachelmarkwick.co.uk .<br />
Pictures are available in various formats including canvas prints and giclee prints, framed and unframed. Some original work is also available to purchase.Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-79898119643005898172019-11-06T11:10:00.002+00:002019-11-06T11:10:41.638+00:00Postcrossing.com - a great way to make international friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBA5CH8OnsNJmiM-KGB9E-LcId10KTNGSMJWzLZueISsd_Kmmqj-pRLuqeMGIgAj9nxzDwBS6U3ZhqsuxqOyYTDUM3oqDlFIKZzbHYpSscRpioEf9KFZdchyphenhyphenI6ydh6gSL_x4Dduzt5RY/s1600/P1200706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBA5CH8OnsNJmiM-KGB9E-LcId10KTNGSMJWzLZueISsd_Kmmqj-pRLuqeMGIgAj9nxzDwBS6U3ZhqsuxqOyYTDUM3oqDlFIKZzbHYpSscRpioEf9KFZdchyphenhyphenI6ydh6gSL_x4Dduzt5RY/s640/P1200706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If, like me you enjoy communicating with people, travelling - virtually via postcards in this case - and maybe collecting stamps and postcards, postcrossing.com is a great thing to join! You can send as many or as few cards as suits you. I have had to cut down recently due to the increased postage costs, but you are guaranteed to receive as many as you send. You may establish friendships through mutual interests or indeed diverse lifestyles across the world, and who knows if one day you may meet your new friends. Children and adults alike are involved, and some school groups also participate.<br />
The above is a selection of cards I have received over the years, from places including Macedonia, Poland, Russia, Hungary, Japan, Latvia and Germany. I've learned about traditions, crafts, artists and beautiful places I'll probably never visit, but can through Postcrossing.com . Many people are keen to swap stamps, small collectable items or just stories! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_kgCcZIf4BZ197Nd_sNBkuDlLDdueFNhsqOXHoLfq1FIsbt6i4QXDHjvR3NjAdAbV9I3_vmnbF97LhoOdz_tkNgFZtz8OMH_qkg6FU3d_mWzKzns6eYFuYklEEZ2PxvWTAPSR16Xw5E/s1600/P1200705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_kgCcZIf4BZ197Nd_sNBkuDlLDdueFNhsqOXHoLfq1FIsbt6i4QXDHjvR3NjAdAbV9I3_vmnbF97LhoOdz_tkNgFZtz8OMH_qkg6FU3d_mWzKzns6eYFuYklEEZ2PxvWTAPSR16Xw5E/s640/P1200705.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-56286718954528692342019-11-03T16:50:00.001+00:002019-11-03T16:50:37.322+00:00 Vintage Portuguese embroidery patterns inspire new collage work ... <div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2dT0Z_8uIZlLA3h3Y2_5FqcskQ9uyeFUf13RnkNYZzxHlAmnlzU1bC6uH4xgGrIqEJEz-l7AxVBmV7Mc4s1Da_0MpH196Ta7vDIF4DLf6ZDcU4ly2dmwdOreLE2K6udWKBz3SOYJZW8/s1600/P1200605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2dT0Z_8uIZlLA3h3Y2_5FqcskQ9uyeFUf13RnkNYZzxHlAmnlzU1bC6uH4xgGrIqEJEz-l7AxVBmV7Mc4s1Da_0MpH196Ta7vDIF4DLf6ZDcU4ly2dmwdOreLE2K6udWKBz3SOYJZW8/s1600/P1200605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaN1Xg_lXHNfLLdr4TMe2s7AoBhyphenhyphenZ4LWHtY3iXT_2R7L0xgdoUnUpVPVst61-eCrN6q0qx4CVrT3_JMzh5CAyHUpC1BwfIkkpN68XAo3ofWD5VznomxHdklUhRlDir_WwspDSuCxE2TyM/s1600/P1200608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaN1Xg_lXHNfLLdr4TMe2s7AoBhyphenhyphenZ4LWHtY3iXT_2R7L0xgdoUnUpVPVst61-eCrN6q0qx4CVrT3_JMzh5CAyHUpC1BwfIkkpN68XAo3ofWD5VznomxHdklUhRlDir_WwspDSuCxE2TyM/s640/P1200608.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In Lisbon recently, we visited the flea market in the Alfama district, a colourful and bustling location, and I found these attractive 1960s embroidery and tapestry patterns, which open up to large poster size and could possibly be framed as such. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMfdxi9YuGfxHL8iZq6OOwQ1SyaVNVXveAsPnjctZPHTblPmpdTSxJyKzKy020pk1ij20QD-se6k17CRIH53t9SgCReOIjKaUclZXoy9D4sv9L3jI4e-cONZtxmYE_TUxyI0YK8RYpWM/s1600/P1200607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1600" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMfdxi9YuGfxHL8iZq6OOwQ1SyaVNVXveAsPnjctZPHTblPmpdTSxJyKzKy020pk1ij20QD-se6k17CRIH53t9SgCReOIjKaUclZXoy9D4sv9L3jI4e-cONZtxmYE_TUxyI0YK8RYpWM/s400/P1200607.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I covered some notebooks with one of them, and am now taking inspiration from an image of a pretty flower basket from the cover of another to make a series of collages using stamps from many countries. The stamps I'm using for the borders are from Ukraine and all depict leaves and fruits. To create the basket work for two of my collages, I've used George VI definitives which have a great pattern, almost like wickerwork . </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-u_9kte7wtQZY3-SubS6RlWKhDefccIQSwCM-IptF5FMVWU4VzRvE4U7JjBlO74-7gxmnO7spkzvc1WZ5kah1fRRuqQ-Ij-ksrAD19-YRUry79T3h6Fsck18B37TKUYE3BM0rm0vGXo/s1600/P1200628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-u_9kte7wtQZY3-SubS6RlWKhDefccIQSwCM-IptF5FMVWU4VzRvE4U7JjBlO74-7gxmnO7spkzvc1WZ5kah1fRRuqQ-Ij-ksrAD19-YRUry79T3h6Fsck18B37TKUYE3BM0rm0vGXo/s400/P1200628.JPG" width="371" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Flowers and foliage are cut from stamps with floral images, or made in the shapes of leaves and flowers. It's a work in progress, but at least I've made a start after a period of artist's </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNGUqkKcIH_bjtO8zZlC1QaUwXhZ327svwibQnrLV-NE6bzvOBw5YpvJkkNTfpL2i5FlZnb0Ef7t9sTKD1ObrIPhX47rirLPAxVIQwmOVQT-3o7eFtpN1lRlQPfDGybWD9hXlX7B4cK4/s1600/P1200629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNGUqkKcIH_bjtO8zZlC1QaUwXhZ327svwibQnrLV-NE6bzvOBw5YpvJkkNTfpL2i5FlZnb0Ef7t9sTKD1ObrIPhX47rirLPAxVIQwmOVQT-3o7eFtpN1lRlQPfDGybWD9hXlX7B4cK4/s200/P1200629.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-34766135534682019342019-10-29T15:16:00.000+00:002019-10-29T15:16:58.103+00:00Heartfelt thanks for stamps! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlQ7Skh-DkkDtwOv3Luyh7962HvgrJZmFw4LUhsOkZ1bFx808-ad0lDd6dC9nDQkswrJiOXyxOtiGlCZpLJtJorBKH8svHEqO26mhENJ6BJkmWitrShLK79pHVYBnZgw-ycBdH-3ICYQ/s1600/P1200641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1320" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlQ7Skh-DkkDtwOv3Luyh7962HvgrJZmFw4LUhsOkZ1bFx808-ad0lDd6dC9nDQkswrJiOXyxOtiGlCZpLJtJorBKH8svHEqO26mhENJ6BJkmWitrShLK79pHVYBnZgw-ycBdH-3ICYQ/s640/P1200641.JPG" width="528" /></a></div>
A surprise parcel arrived containing many thousands of stamps sent by a friend who was having a clear-out! The majority were red 1st and blue 2nd class stamps, 1st class gold stamps, and hundreds of Christmas issues from recent years. All of these will come in useful in stamp collage pictures including some I am currently working on. But there are also several little treasures amongst the hoard, and here are just a few rather special stamps which may be part of something in future.<br />
I have mentioned the Resplendent Quetzal in a blog of 27th July 2019, and so I was thrilled to uncover an old Guatemalan stamp issued in aid of the Red Cross, featuring a nurse flanked by two of these wonderful long tailed birds. There is no value on this stamp and I haven't yet been able to find out exactly when it was issued or if indeed it has any current value, but will keep if in my/my father's collection of very old Guatemalan stamps!<br />
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I always love to find a heart! And there were a few among this enormous pile of stamps, so that made me very happy! I have a growing collection of pretty heart stamps from several countries, and any duplicates can of course go into a Love themed collage at some point!Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-56098882114407606362019-10-27T15:47:00.002+00:002019-10-27T15:47:26.638+00:00The Shard - 3 years to build - 18 months for me to make a collage! Sometimes things don't come together as quickly as I'd like, and I knew making this stamp collage picture of The Shard was going to be quite a challenge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm2Bm470H0LdM3ioKgKWCVMXHFeIFJ326qw0aPfXxKJSeJ69mnOoqwvsVv4t2fRc4DlEkl66IZeq4jsYIeXvzhlIn8XL5_6uSUfpvHuIQqDP6Wq6_U6bRnN_VY4F9FQ-P1xpxoYLRaXc/s1600/P1200630+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="884" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm2Bm470H0LdM3ioKgKWCVMXHFeIFJ326qw0aPfXxKJSeJ69mnOoqwvsVv4t2fRc4DlEkl66IZeq4jsYIeXvzhlIn8XL5_6uSUfpvHuIQqDP6Wq6_U6bRnN_VY4F9FQ-P1xpxoYLRaXc/s400/P1200630+%25282%2529.JPG" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stamp collage of the Shard</td></tr>
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I didn't think it would take more than a year to complete though! I was making good progress initially, having accurately traced and enlarged one of my photos, and enjoyed the absorbing placement of the stamps as they climbed steadily up the steep sides of the tower, but then enthusiasm waned, and other interests took over, so this ambitious project was abandoned in favour of ships, cats and numerous other projects, and other trips which provided further inspiration!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHhMuTV6HRH3CmN3zZI97OszkShAa-Zh_Tjmak30E5xT86o-jFKz6zi2J6Vid3Kom7RhkRvH811K8mtn3CC5ERGeV-3GMD_aNeD_ar9lZMSK0SkGPo4hekFyx-Fcl3Qq704uLqWZYWhw/s1600/P1110693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHhMuTV6HRH3CmN3zZI97OszkShAa-Zh_Tjmak30E5xT86o-jFKz6zi2J6Vid3Kom7RhkRvH811K8mtn3CC5ERGeV-3GMD_aNeD_ar9lZMSK0SkGPo4hekFyx-Fcl3Qq704uLqWZYWhw/s640/P1110693.JPG" width="480" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">In March 2018 we enjoyed our "View from the Shard" experience, on a clear day, with great panoramic views London and beyond from the 72nd floor. I took many photos from this vantage point and one of my favourites was the shadow of the Shard cast on the land below, with its top just reaching the Thames!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My interpretation of the Shard is a stamp collage using British definitives to make the numerous panes of glass in this iconic modern London building, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and completed in 2012.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">London landmarks, ancient and modern appear on many British commemorative stamps and we could see the Tower of London, St Paul's cathedral, the Gerkin, the GPO Tower ,once the tallest London buildinh, but now dwarfed by later additions to the skyline, and many of the bridges over the River Thames.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail showing some of the landmarks on stamps<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've allowed myself a bit of artist's licence in their placement around the Shard, including a few which can not easily be seen from here. </span>Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-30277930444575626022019-10-08T17:10:00.000+01:002019-10-08T17:11:45.453+01:00An alternative to Stamp collage <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtaevCWIub0kBT-rzxqTejA41jOjt5B-Zd_gWlqqR1sxuMJhtqOMEk1DUsdvM_BQRMwfSY8-v3zNEjjVel7Yk-G6mXBFHAexGZJXQew2gwMmIkCLy-sg4JePUR6qKwB2_GMP-ar6s7XE/s1600/P1200582+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1189" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtaevCWIub0kBT-rzxqTejA41jOjt5B-Zd_gWlqqR1sxuMJhtqOMEk1DUsdvM_BQRMwfSY8-v3zNEjjVel7Yk-G6mXBFHAexGZJXQew2gwMmIkCLy-sg4JePUR6qKwB2_GMP-ar6s7XE/s400/P1200582+%25282%2529.JPG" width="295" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBADUug7GChzqLXgUNgLiHMQb8kRrMXePZd-49CLpCxVfhduTNqtZrFd5aE-UL5R9xhTImCBNnL9Oyw4mGRaVkpLAfo_b4KcuFVOVg4MYeNINKVwsF2bU9y1MJFbn44hBNLNRGik1bpk/s1600/P1200581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1323" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBADUug7GChzqLXgUNgLiHMQb8kRrMXePZd-49CLpCxVfhduTNqtZrFd5aE-UL5R9xhTImCBNnL9Oyw4mGRaVkpLAfo_b4KcuFVOVg4MYeNINKVwsF2bU9y1MJFbn44hBNLNRGik1bpk/s200/P1200581.JPG" width="165" /></a>I only work from my studio at home on stamp collages, as storage and use of materials isn't great outdoors (they blow away!), and transporting supplies is difficult. I always enjoy doing some form of artwork though, and find sitting for a while and really looking closely at the subject is far more memorable than merely taking a photo! While away I try to do odd sketches or collages using leaflets etc which I can't resist picking up at every opportunity, so only need to take glue stick, notebook and some pens or pencils and small scissors. This time, I also bought a<br />
Children's paint box for 3 Euros!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the hilly Alfama area of Lisbon, I could have spent the whole time sitting on the third floor balcony trying to draw, paint and collage this panoramic view, if it wasn't for the endless sightseeing opportunities. </span><br />
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Due to a lack of Portuguese stamps, chances are I won't be making any collages of the various places of interest we visited in Lisbon, as I like to use the nation's stamps when creating landmarks: Italian stamps for the Colosseum, French for the Eiffel Tower and for my latest picture of Ayers Rock, Australian stamps. See Landmark pages for all these collages, available as originals in some cases, and prints in various sizes.</div>
Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-85037794237175966752019-09-08T18:46:00.001+01:002019-09-08T18:46:13.999+01:00Primary research methods - visit a pub! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I must admit to being extremely disappointed when I arrived at the Mauretania pub in Bristol recently on a mission to get in the mood for embarking on my new project of making a stamp collage version of the Mauretania, originally launched in 1907. I had located this source of great interest after discovering the story of this beautiful ocean liner, after visiting Amble, Northumberland , "the Friendliest port in England". See blog post dated for the story so far 6th September.<br />
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I had read that the Mauretania building in Bristol's Park Street contains fixtures and fittings salvaged when the liner was broken up in 1936, and had hoped we could go to the pub, have a drink and possibly lunch, and admire the beauty of the mirror veneer panelling, and chandeliers , but instead I was confronted with locked doors, pulled down shutters, and a general feeling of neglect, and no clue as to the demise of the business.Only the illuminated sign "MAURETANIA" which is still lit up at night remains as an indication of the story of what lies within.<br />
We spent the rest of the morning visiting a couple of exhibitions before heading back down the hill for lunch but determination lead me to ring one of the bells for other businesses which now inhabit the upstairs .. my call was answered and I asked if I could possibly speak to someone. Door catch released, and I proceeded up a dark stairway, emerging to find two helpful ladies, who said they dealt with the Mauretania building, now empty and in need of a new occupant to bring it back to life.<br />
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I was introduced to a gentleman who was very knowledgeable about the ship and who proudly showed me the clock from the vessel, and pointed out some of the mirrors and other fittings in his office space, as well as an old framed photo of the Mauretania.<br />
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I was then invited to go downstairs to the former nightclub, Java, which also contains some of the once beautiful polished wood panelling and decoration from the ship as well as a ceiling dome minus its glass, and currently sporting a garish glitter ball! <br />
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It's a large space, and times are hard. The nightclub closed after a few years. It would be lovely to see it back in use, and hopefully retaining the historic features. I felt very privileged to have seen just a glimpse of what the Mauretania would have been like in her heyday. The book Mauretaina, Triumph and Resurrection by Peter Newall gives even more information about other buildings and museums which hold more relics from the liner, including Pinewood Studios!<br />
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Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057610089061194529.post-42706785166021453282019-09-06T19:13:00.002+01:002019-09-06T19:13:24.668+01:00Mauretania Day in Amble, the Friendliest port in EnglandCelebrated in Amble, Northumberland every year around 3rd July is Mauritania Day. It gets its name from the famous Cunard liner the RMS Mauritania. The ship passed Amble on that day in 1935 heading to Rosyth to be broken up,and received the message from the Amble "Amble to Mauretania, Greetings from Amble last port in England, to still the finest ship on the seas." The reply came back. Mauretania to Urban Council, Amble, to the last and kindliest port in England, greetings and thanks, Mauretania". Kindliest has over the years become "friendliest", and having visited recently I totally agree!<br />
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Built in Newcastle's Swan Hunter shipyard in 1907 for Cunard, she carried wealthy passengers on ocean cruises, and gained the Blue Ribband for being the fastest vessel to cross the Atlantic, maintaining this record for 22 years until it was superceded by the Bremmen. She had 9 decks, carrying passengers in 1st, 2nd and 3rd class. The first class areas were very sumptious and lined with shiny mahogony and decked out with chandeliers.<br />
On Mauritania Day, which this year took place on the 7th July, we were able to witness the pride of the town in being named, "the kindliest (now friendliest) port in England" with a programme of entertainment throughout the day including Brass bands, choirs, Belly dancers, the weekly market, and a very welcoming street Cafe Church service with tea and cake.<br />
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Inspired by the ship's story, on return home I began my research, with a view to making a collage of this beautiful old vessel. Unsure at the moment quite how or where to portray her, as photos of old postcards and ancient photographs show her with varying paint colours including a very jazzy paint effect during the war.<br />
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Always after a ship to collage, the Mauritania certainly fits the bill, and to my delight I find I have two stamps depicting her. Back in pre-decimal 1969, and in my own collection is a set of Ships designed by renowned stamp designer, David Gentleman., including the 1/- Mauritania.<br />
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In 2004 a series of stamps depicting ocean liners was issued including a 47p RMS Mauritania stamp from a painting by Thomas Henry<br />
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Researching online, I dicover that not far from home. is a pub in Bristol called The Mauritania which is fitted out with some of the original wood panelling and other decorative items from the ship, so that was my next destination ... More to follow ...Rachel Markwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09760676293393473414noreply@blogger.com0