There really are Fairies in the Woods (Part 4) Statues

[Horus]

As we return to our starting point, a long walled terrace runs the whole width of the lake and we are now on the opposite side to that on which we started our walk having completed a full circuit of the lake.


If you stand with your back to this terrace and look into the distance you will see the remains of some of the original buildings, the majority having been demolished several years ago because of their desolate and dangerous state and to make way for today’s modern facilities.



Between these buildings at the far end and where you are standing is the restored Italian Gardens which is the full width of the lake, broken by a wide central promenade and criss- crossed with smaller paths.



It is this view of the Italian Gardens and the Knot Garden that would have been seen from the Dukes residence as he walked towards the lake.



Note the small statue that is just visible in the far distance as we look from the opposite end of the garden, this is a bronze statue representing the Greek myth of Perseus slaying the snake haired Gorgon, Medusa. It is a 19th Century copy of Benvenuto Cellini’s original 1550s masterpiece, now at the Loggia dei Lonzi, in Florence. This replica was one of the biggest free-standing bronze sculptures in the UK after being commissioned by the 2nd Duke of Sutherland.

In the Autumn of 2012, Perseus was absent from Trentham as he formed part of the Royal Academy of Art’s major Autumn exhibition, “Bronze” that was held in London.

Again for anyone interested here is a video showing the statue being removed:


I am pleased to say he is now back on his pedestal again and looking very much as I first remembered seeing him over 60 years ago.



Here are a few general views of the Italian garden and the Knot garden, unfortunately they are all a little drab at the moment as it is still Winter.





Also at this, the opposite end of the lake is situated another cafeteria again with some open air seating, it can be seen near the centre of this picture with a path winding down alongside of it. You can see that its getting late as the lights are on.



Near to the statue of Perseus is another plinth and on it is a most wonderful wire sculpture which I have named ‘The Queen of the Fairies’



It is in my opinion an absolutely brilliant piece of work and so I have included a few more shots so that you can see the detail a bit better.

[Grandad]

The Italian garden looks vast H. A shame that most of the original buildings were demolished, I am surprised that The National Trust did not take them on as a long term restoration project.
That wire sculpture is quite incredible. I hope the sculptor used stainless steel wire for longevity.
After Perseus there is a note 'Insert Italian 1 to 6'. Are there some pictures you forgot to post? Even without more pictures we can imagine the stunning view from the house when the Italian garden was in full bloom.
This is all adding to what must be a very lovely place to visit on a nice summers day when all the trees have leaves.
Thanks again for sharing your pictures of your (very long) walk.

[Horus]

Thanks for spotting that Grandad, I am sure that you know how much hard work it is trying to do a long post with images on this forum, it is not exactly user friendly. Because it always puts the images at the bottom of a post regardless of where you paste them, so I have to put myself little bookmarks and notes in the text so I know what to upload and where they should go. I have to read it through so many times that your mind becomes numb to what you are seeing, to complicate it further a very old friend I had not heard from for years phoned me part way through and I had to also tell him about my dear Anne passing, so I was in a bit of an upset state and not really concentrating on the job ay hand. Glad that you spotted it as it would not make much sense without some of the images, good job you were on the ball.

Edit: Yes the wire is stainless steel and the property was owned by the old NCB (National Coal Board) and had I believe so many problems with the lake, mining subsidence and a few other problems that they were not interested and neither was the local council, the buildings had long fallen into delapidation. I will post a few more of what is left in the final part 5

Edit-Edit: I bet that you and Mrs G will be calling next time you are in Stone! its only just down the road you know And lots of seats along the way and lots of cafe's inside and out.

Triple Edit: If you'r not so good on your feet Grandad, the Italian Gardens are easily accesible from the main entrance

[Jayway]

What a spectacular place, I never know it existed, back years ago I had membership to castles, never visited any where like Trentham - - maybe the winter is the best time, you nearly had it all to yourself and Annie --

[Horus]

Not quite Jay, I was surprised at how many people were there, the car parks were almost full up
I suppose there were not so many visitors as the day wore on and it got colder and a lot duller, also I try and avoid people in my images as many have children with them and nowadays anyone with a camera pointed anywhere near a child is considered a pervert

[LovelyLadyLux]

Definitely a very beautiful place. Love the Italian gardens and all the sculpture and symmetry. Also quite love the sculptures. The detail is fantastic and very intricate. Super lovely

GREAT photos too Horus! You've done a fantastic job of sharing your day out with Little Annie I really enjoyed YOUR walk!

[Kiya]

Great pics once more Horus love the Italian Gardens & all the fantastic works around the area

You know you'll have to go back in summer & let us see some pics of the garden/lake in all its glory & colour

Thanks for sharing with us , I know too well what time & effort it takes to load all your photos & writings.......Good on ye

[Grandad]

I am sure that you know how much hard work it is trying to do a long post with images on this forum

@Horus Sure do H. I usually have to keep on looking at the 'preview' to check that pictrures are in order.
Our 'relies' are actually in Uttoxeter and Draycott but only about 20 miles up the road.
The feet have been a lot better H since I started wearing bedsocks.

I don't want to digress from your interesting post, and I think the photos are very nice in the softer tones. Not so hard as bright sun. However, to get to my point, I am certainly not a student of the classics but as you have mentioned Medusa I was reminded of my first encounter with the lady. I first became aware of her just a few years ago on a visit to the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul.

Two of the 336 columns that support the roof of the 6th century cistern have stones at the base of the columns depicting Medusa, that were probably brought from elsewhere. One is inverted and one on its side.
Just for interest, here are pics, and if anyone has never been to Istanbul, put it on your bucket list.....Fabulous City.

[Horus]

Interesting carvings Grandad
Just out of interest, with reference that you made to the softer images, I think that because you have the same processor in your new camera as I have in my X-S1 that you may also have the option of 'Pro Low-Light' mode which is found under the ADV setting on the selector dial. If so you should try using it in really bad lighting conditions as I had during the late afternoon, it is only really good for still images though as it takes a series of 4 shots in rapid sucession and blends them into the one image. If you look closely at any with Annie in them you may detect a bit of blurring if she was moving at all during the shot.

You can see the effect here because this couple are moving about as I took the picture, the static parts are clear, but the people are blurred, note the pushchair frame.

[Grandad]

Yes H, I have Pro low light and Pro focus on both Fujis but have never tried them......but I will now.

I actually like the distorted image of the moving people in your picture. I think it gives it something of a surreal impression.

I must say that is a very impressive bronze of Perseus.

[Horus]

I must say that is a very impressive bronze of Perseus.

Yes that's why those Cockney gits nicked it for their exhibition can't keep their thieving mitts off anything

[Grandad]

Yes that's why those Cockney gits nicked it for their exhibition can't keep their thieving mitts off anything

You got it back didn't you? Think yourself lucky, we don't give much back.

[Horus]

Good job you did Grandad or we would have to send the heavies in Don't forget even the Kray's and those other Southern Jessies didn't dare venture this far North of Watford.

[Jayway]

Lovely ... Yes Grandad ,Istanbul is a great city to explore - my photos in the Cisterna came out darker with my "instamatic" which was my favourite place. I was lucky with the apartment I chose as the family were brilliant. Horus, thats a very strange effect, made my eyes puzzled for a moment !

[Horus]

Jay, the effect is not an intentional one, it only happens if someone moves into your shot because the camera takes multiple images and combines then all together into one, it is really only a setting for taking static pictures like landscapes and not people.

[Grandad]

Just to follow up on a couple of quotes;

Just out of interest, with reference that you made to the softer images, I think that because you have the same processor in your new camera as I have in my X-S1 that you may also have the option of 'Pro Low-Light' mode which is found under the ADV setting on the selector dial.

Yes H, I have Pro low light and Pro focus on both Fujis but have never tried them......but I will now.

Sitting outside after building new bird boxes, I did try the Pro Low light setting as it was very dull. The two pictures that make up this collage were taken at the same time, on auto and Pro Low light. The effect is very surprising but it would be best to tripod mount or at least use a monopod because, as you said, the camera fires off 4 frames in VERY rapid succession. A setting to remember in the future and particularly for LLL who will have a fuji in a couple of weeks.

This was not a serious picture, just trying the setting, but the result would have been improved if I had turned the EV back a stop.

[LovelyLadyLux]

Hmm - very interesting and a good reminder for me to throw the monopod into the car so I have it with it me when finally get my hands on the camera......

[Horus]

As you have found out for yourself Grandad, the Pro Light Setting is a fantastic improvement when it come sto poor light conditions and it allows you to get a few more images on dull days or as evening approaches.