Maps – I just love maps
Maps are a rich source of information including history, geography and landscape. To study a map carefully is to learn about a region or an area before setting foot in it.
Fiat 500 – the most iconic little car in Italy
The Fiat 500 is part of Italy’s motoring heritage, small, practical and affordable. The Fiat 500 is an Italian icon.
Cefalu – cutest little town in Sicily
Cefalu, a charming, historic seaside town in Sicily. Houses tumble down the hillside to the sea. Authentic and delightful Sicily.
Oxford, England – May Morning
May morning in Oxford, choristers sing from the top of Magdalen Tower to welcome in springtime and a new season. The painting by William Holman Hunt is typical of the 19th century pre-Raphaelite style of exuberant and highly symbolic art.
Venice Carnival
Venice Carnival 2020 – a fabulous celebration of creativity and sartorial elegance. A feast for the eyes and a tribute to the city of Venice, La Serenissima, Queen of the Adriatic….
A Grand Tourist in Naples
The Grand Tour – a journey through Italy designed to educate and inspire young, wealthy travellers from the 18th century onwards.
What was a Scriptorium?
Before the invention of the printing press books were written by hand, usually by monks working in a room called a ‘Scriptorium’. The ‘Scriptorium’ was a small space, in the monastery, next to the library. Here the scribes (writers) would write, illustrate and copy manuscripts.
Dante – An early manuscript from Biblioteca Guarneriana, Italy
At the risk of disappearing down a rabbit hole (which I’ve always liked the idea of…) I’ve come across an amazing late 14th century manuscript of Dante’s Divine Comedy, beautifully photographed and available on line. It is just incredible.