Posted on November 9, 2015 by myeye1

This grand piano really lives up to it’s name. The beautiful, ornate embellishments are by William Morris and Co. and are typical of the designs that were created by him. I personally love the style and detail of Morris’ work and have been a fan since I first discovered it.

V&A: Islamic Middle East

Posted on November 4, 2015 by myeye1

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London has some really interesting exhibits, showcasing pieces from all around the world. One of the collections I always stop to admire when I visit is the Islamic Middle East which consists of some really beautiful pieces from as far back as the 7th century.

Some of my favourite and I think most impressive pieces on show are the Ardabil carpet which is one of the largest and finest in existence made in 1540, the second largest Qu’ran in the world from the 14th century and the pretty turquoise coloured tiles from 1358. I love the use of detailed geometric patterns and writings to embellish everyday objects that were placed in homes and places of worship.

My photos don’t do justice to how intricate and colourful some of these artifacts are but if you’re ever in London I would definitely recommend a visit.

WPC: Treat

Posted on November 1, 2015 by myeye1

This cream filled, chocolaty pastry is a delicious treat for the taste buds, and a nice theme for this week’s photo challenge.

Gift horse

Posted on October 6, 2015 by myeye1

Currently the fourth plinth in Trafalger Square is occupied by a skeletal figure of a gift horse with a ribbon around it’s leg displaying the London Stock Market. It replaces the giant blue chicken that was there previously. As artistic as the horse looks I think I miss the chicken. What do you think?

Delicate peony

Posted on October 1, 2015 by myeye1

This peony is really pretty with large, soft pink petals peeling back to expose the ruffled cream petals within. They look great in a vase and they smell nice too.

Eid-ul-Adha 2015/1436: Eid Mubarak

Posted on September 23, 2015 by myeye1

Eid Mubarak everyone. Taqabbal Allahu Minna Wa Minkum (May Allah accept it from you and us).

Happy Eid to all to Muslims around the world who are celebrating Eid-al-Adha. I pray that all muslims find some happiness and peace whether they are migrating from a war torn country in the Middle East or have struggles that are found in our daily lives. I hope that a blessed, calmer time is ahead for all of us.

Capturing artwork

Posted on September 20, 2015 by myeye1

I recently went to the National Gallery in London and since my last visit you are now allowed to take photographs. I would normally never take photographs of paintings as I always would want to visit and appreciate the work in person, but on this occasion I decided to take a few snaps as a nice reminder. The photos I took were of some of my favourite paintings by great artists that I’m lucky to have on my doorstep in London, namely The Waterlily Pond by Monet and Sunflowers by Van Gogh.

I always like to take a moment and think about how long it must have taken to create such a painting and what kind of person the artist must have been to paint in this way during their life, artworks that really stand the test of time. I love being able to see the textures of the layered paint and the colours, which close up looks quite messy but stand back and you see how great it all comes together and looks quite beautiful.

I hope to visit again at some point and enjoy all the great paintings that are luckily so easy for me to access.

Lemon fudge

Image

Lilies

Posted on August 23, 2015 by myeye1

I recently left my job and as a parting gift my old work colleagues gave me a card with some lovely messages, a gift card to buy something nice with and these beautiful lilies. I managed to get them home on the tube in one piece (although I did poke a few people with the long stems), and they’re now sitting on the kitchen table brightening up the room.