Still No Hoverflies

Despite lots of sunshine today, still no sign of  hoverflies (or other flying insects) on a visit to Waresley (the wood is closed because of the wet conditions).

 

Double Exposure at the Fitztwilliam Cambridge

A bit of creative time at the Fitzwilliam Museum using multiple exposure and changing the white balance between exposures. And just for fun, last one done in the computer as you can't change blending modes on the Fuji double exposures 

Cambridge Botanic Gardens - Glasshouse Windows

The second topic that I tackled on Sunday was the condensation and algae etc on the windows in the hothouses plus glimspes of what is beyond. Such a variety of colours and shapes it was difficult to know where to stop but here are a few.

High Contrast at Cambridge Botanic Gardens

We set a few topics for our CCC trip to Cambridge Botanic Gardens - one was High Contrast Monochrome so I spent some time seeking out flowers and leaves in very contrasty lighting. However, I have decided I like them best in colour.

 

  

Architectural Styles in Tallin Old Town

The Old Town in Tallinn is a feast for anyone like myself interested in architectural styles. Here is a summary of some of the styles and examples.

Gothic: Although occupied from 11th Century, the battlement that remains today dates back to the 14th century. There are many fine gothic buildings in Tallinn including the Town Hall and the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit. Tallinn Old Town has been entered in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a well-preserved medieval town.

Renaissance: Renaissance-style architecture manifested itself most frequently in the ornaments of houses, especially in carved details and decorative paintings. The House of the Blackheads (1597) located at 26 Pikk street is a fine example

Baroque: In the beginning of the 17th century, Baroque reached Tallinn. One of the best examples is  Kadriorg Palace (1718)


Classicism: In the era of classicism (from the end of the 18th century to the beginning of the 19th century), many buildings were erected in the upper town, whereas buildings were being rebuilt in the lower town. In the course of rebuilding, many of the medieval facades were given a modern classicist exterior eg. the von Rosen Palace (1670s, 28 Pikk street),

Historicism: In the middle of 19th century historicism and eclecticism came into vogue.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (1900, 10 Lossi plats) is an example of the Pseudo-Russian style.

The Reichmann house (1909, 21/23 Pikk street) is the most interesting example of Neo-Mannerism.


Art Nouveau: In the 20th century, Tallinn welcomed an architectural style that was widespread in Europe – Art Nouveau, including a sub-style known as Riga Art Nouveau. It is very flamboyant with a great number of masks and ornaments. An excellent example of this sub-style is  J. Rosenbaum’s Draakoni Gallery (1910, 18 Pikk street).


1930s - 1960s
The architecture of 1930s Tallinn is a mixture of traditionalism, functionalism, Art Déco and Scandinavian classicism. It is clearly recognisable and respectable, primarily due to its rectangular shapes and the popular brown or greyish colour anthracite grout popular at the time. Example: Tallinn Art Hall (1934), 6 Vabaduse square.

Tallinn: Knobs and Knockers etc

I enjoyed using the Fuji 35mm f2 to isolate some of the wonderful decorations and cast iron hinges, knobs, rings and brackets.