Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Historic Glenshiel


 My friend Anni arranged for us to go and sketch in the beautiful gardens of Glenshiel on Saturday, one of Johannesburg's historic Randlord homes, housing the Order of St John which ran it as an auxiliary military hospital during World War Two, and now as an ambulance service. I chose a view with plenty of flowers and foliage in the foreground so as not to have to tackle all that architecture, just having a manageable corner peep through. Even so, it took me most of the afternoon to get that little bit of building down.

After that effort I turned to a tiny house that I thought had been some lucky little girl's wendy house, but which I now read is 'Polly Ann', one of many similiar Tudor Style cottages that were built as a a fundraising effort during the war, forming 'Olde England" with a Wishing Well and a Town Sign Post - I was wondering what those were doing there!


And last, with my architectural skills exhausted, I sketched a gnarled old tree trunk before going on a stroll around the rest of the property, finding a rose garden, a waterfall with a pond, plenty of nooks and crannies and a beautiful view over the Northern suburbs - plenty to go back for if we get another chance.

5 comments:

Cathy said...

I wish I had been able to come, but it just wasn't possible. I love your sketches and comments as usual! Must have been a fantastic palce to sketch! I love you old gnarled tree!!

Art with Liz said...

Gosh Cathy, you chronicle a Johannesburg that I don't know anymore! But this place I recognise and it is truly as beautiful as you portray.

John Philip said...

The gnarled tree is fantastic! perfect colour combo too.

RH Carpenter said...

With our skies turning grey and our days colder and darker, I come to your blog to view the warmth and sunshine you share with us. No one would know you are architecturally challenged - but I do love your organics so (that gnarled old tree has such personality). Have a wonderful week to come.

Cathy Gatland said...

Thanks Cathy - and John - my fellow Joburg sketchers!... we'll go there again I'm sure, when you can come!

Hi Liz, its good to hear from you. I wonder how you knew Glenshiel back then - was it open to the public?

Thanks Rhonda, yes, I think I'm an organic type of girl ;-) Keep warm and cosy over there!