"Gargoyles & Graffiti"chronicles architectural elements that I find interesting or unique in my travels. Gargoyles are my passion, but today graffiti (which I hate but am learning to love as it is everywhere) is as much a part of architecture as the gargoyles and decorative railings that thrill me.

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Sandringham House

Sandringham House at Norfolk

The day I went to Sandringham House, the weather was dreary and cold. It was raining and I was getting a bad cold. I had dealt with some family issues the days surrounding the visit, so it was a welcome respite, even with the weather. I donned my raincoat and hood, bought my senior ticket and a book and took off to explore.


Entry gates Sandringham
The house is exceptional, not really my style, but the warm welcome of all the staff made it really special. I learned a lot about the Queen of England, and how she is so loved and revered by the 300 people who work for her personally at Sandringham. This is not a country owned estate, but a private estate owned by the Queen herself. And the 300 people that work there, work for her. Their loyalty and love is remarkable, but well-deserved. The Queen has done so much for the economy of this area of the United Kingdom.


Prince Charles car from when he was a boy
I loved touring the Carriage Museum with all the old cars, including quite a few that Charles had as a boy. There is china and silver and other pieces that were used at Sandringham over the years. It was originally built as a house for King Edward VII, by his parents Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Albert died while negotating the purchase of the house, but Queen Victoria decided to continue the purchase for her 21 year old son. More information on the history of the Sandringham estate can be found here.



The reception I received by the staff at the Carriage House Museum was amazing. They were friendly, really all of Norfolk is really a friendly area of England. Their love of their Queen and lovely stories about her were told throughout. More to come!

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Cozumel Sea Walls by Flow Serfati Photography

This was such a crossover blog post, I decided to copy it from my Design in Cozumel blog ...

Jason Botkin painting Cozumel sea wall photo by Florent Serfati
This photo is so powerful in so many ways. It is a great shot by Florent Serfati, who has done a magnificent job of compiling all the sea wall photos he shot recently. The artist, Jason Botkin, is shown in a Michaelangelo concentration doing what he does best. There is so much passion in this photo.

Jason Botkin mural complete by Florent Serfati


I have been following Florent Serfati's photography for a while, admiring his skills and loving what I got to follow on Facebook. But he has really outdone himself with the murals that have gone up all around Cozumel in the last month. People came from all over the world to promote our oceans and leave us these wonderful treasures. Flow has captured these moments magnificently.

Another awesome photo by Flow Serfati Photography

Due to some health issues, I haven't been out and about to take my own photos of these sea murals. Luckily I didn't have to, I have been able to enjoy them from in front of my computer. The above is by Kaulukuku and references the sponsor, Pangeaseed and of course taken on Cozumel, Mexico 2015.

It you loved these sea mural photos, please visit Flow Serfati's Photography page here on Facebook. You will see the sea murals and a whole lot of other wonderful photographs. Thanks, Flow!!