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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

My Studio and The British Museum!


Well......Welcome to my studio.....this is the front door. I have covered it with blackboard fabric, zipper sellotape and glow in the dark stars!! Well it is for children!

 And here is my baby "messy room"
On Monday evening we went to The British Museum Member's Night and visited "Hajj". The exhibition which is "A journey to the heart of Islam". It was fantastic but we were not supposed to take pictures but somehow my camera has a will of it's own!!
This first image is a cover for a Mahmal, one of the few which have survived! Isn't the red amazing?
As l got nearer it just got more and more beautiful...l am in love. 
I could stand and look at this piece for ages. The embroidery on this cloth is just amazing, it must have been taken so long to complete and to think it was created around 1861!
These two stones mean very different things. The one on the left is a grave marker and the other is a mile marker.
 I just love this compass and the painted work on it is so beautiful. Would love to own this piece.
 This sign shows you where Mecca is when you are standing in a certain place in the Museum.
This next image is a Mecca tile panel, made in around 1650. I find it so amazing the colours are still so bright.
 I just love this small beautifully illustrated and personalised Koran.
 Just look at the work that has gone into this cloth. I love the designs, colours and size of it. All that gold..! Wonder how long it took to make and how much it would cost to create these days!!

 Small chickpea sized stones kept in a bag, for throwing at the Jamarat (pillers) in Mina. The pilgrims collect around 70 pebbles if they are staying for the whole four days or 49 if only staying for 3 days
A piece of modern Art...stunning. Placed in a glass cube!

 Hats are one of the most popular items of clothing associated with Hajj. I was told they are a symbol of having completed the pilgrimage. They are beautiful pieces of clothing.
 This next piece of Art is called "You and Only You" by Idris Khan. Can you see what this image is made up of.......?
 Quote: This work has been created on site especially for this exhibition. It is made up of a series of texts hand stamped directly onto the wall These texts are fragments of responses by pilgrims to the experience of performing Hajj. Amazing! Although Tony and l think it is the wrong shape......we feel it should be round and round not off to one side. What do you think?

 View from a window space in the Museum!

A great time was had by all.

11 comments:

deanna7trees said...

thanks for the great images. wish i could see it in person.

lynda Howells said...

maybe one day you will Deannaxx

Martine said...

i like the british museum and the fact that your camera has a wil of its own.........thanks!
XXXm

Emma said...

You're a naughty & very clever girl! What beautiful things.

lynda Howells said...

xthat's me Emmaxx

Unknown said...

I've booked my ticket for that exhibition too, and am really looking forward to it. I'll have to take my sketchbook I think, so much to try and remember! Your studio door and messy room are looking very child friendly, bet there will be so much fun to be had in there!

lynda Howells said...

Cath you will love the exhibition.
Can you come to see my studio on this Saturday between 10 and 12 o'clock? I am having an Open Day...would be great to see you. otherwise fancy a coffee one day soon?x lkynda.

Penny said...

Fabulous exhibition - thank you so very much for sharing it with us. I can just imagine what magic seeing it up close would be.

Iz said...

How naughty! But thank you for sharing the pics. I'm not sure how long the exhibition is on for but now I know I want to go!

Sallie (FullTime-Life.com said...

I just stopped reading for a few minutes of pure envy when I thought how wonderful it would be to be a member of the British Museum.

I like your camera! Glad it does what it wants to do (thanks for sharing)!

Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen) said...

Wonderful tour through what looks to be a fascinating exhibit. I'm glad your camera misbehaves.