Feeling better again today, but still pretty drowsy, I scanned a batch of 22 unsorted random black and white negatives, and tested my memory in an attempt to date and locate them. I think the images were all produced in 1983.
It was probably Jessica who made this picture of Louisa and me in our house in Gracedale Road. The ginger jar on the shelf above my shoulder was one of the spoils from our mudlarking.
The large gilt-framed painting above Louisa’s head is ‘Have You Heard’, by Mary Evelina Kindon, which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1905. Sadly, I no longer had room to hang it when I returned to London, so Michael arranged for its sale at a Bonhams auction in 2009.
It was only this morning that Becky was amusing us with a description of how she would work on the pc at Commonside Trust, whilst simultaneously cradling a teenage client’s infant. The next two shots, as she plays cards whilst nursing Louisa, demonstrate how she perfected the skill.
Having peered through a magnifying glass all that time ago, Matthew was to give Jackie and me one each for Christmas a couple of years ago.
Sam is engaged in one of his favourite pastimes.
These landscapes were probably taken in Surrey on a visit to Polesden Lacey.
Polesden Lacey is an Edwardian house and estate. Located on the North Downs at Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, it is owned and managed by the National Trust and is one of the Trust’s most popular properties. This photograph suggests to me that it was here that Sam lost his soldier. Jessica, Michael, Sam, Louisa, and I travelled quite regularly down the A3 from Gracedale Road to this garden.
Michael, inspired by these visits soon became a life member of the National Trust.
Here are two of Louisa concentrating on her food in Gracedale Road.
Jessica, Louisa, and Sam enjoy a game of ball at the home of Aunt Elspeth in Rugby.
Jessica’s late. loved, cousin Anthony tends his mother’s garden in the background.
The daffodils suggest this must have been around Louisa’s first birthday.
Finally, can anyone identify this grasping plant?
This evening we dined on Jackie’s superb liver casserole, mashed potato and swede, and crisp carrots, broccoli, and green beans. I drank more of the cabernet sauvignon opened four or five days ago. It was still drinkable. Ian and Jackie drank Hoegaarden, and Becky rose.
Such evocative pictures and such darling children. When I look at pictures of my own children when they were young, it always makes me a little wistful. Of course, there is no way that I could keep up with young children now. So the wistful feeling doesn’t last too long 😉
All very true, Laurie. Thanks
That final plant: it’s an alien devouring Jackie’s superb liver casserole…
Nice one, Bruce. Thanks.
Glad you commented on the casserole but what I’m surprised at is the abstaining ladies!
Thank you Sue
Actually, it is a reflection of the state of my head that Jackie drank Hoegaarden and Becky drank rose, and I didn’t notice
Aha! The world has not been thrown off it’s axis after all!
Fascinating pictures, a real look at personal history. The plant looks like a scared potato – it’s chitting itself!
Thanks, Keith. Scared potato it is
great pictures; black and white is so evocative. We took the MIL to Polesdon Lacey two weeks ago, in one of those coincidences… Beautiful and very full
Thank you, Geoff
I saw a play not too long ago about a house about to be listed by the National Trust; it was very funny.
Thank you, Mary
I love your mudlarking post.
Thank you, Mary
It’s not a plant – I think it’s a fossilised crab.
Thank you Pauline. Good suggestion
I am very glad you are feeling a bit better. I wish you full health my friend. Love the pics so much.
Thank you, Candice
Hope each day a bit better. Meanwhile keep the pics coming xxx
Thanks X
These photos are brilliant. They offer a real, human, insight into the recent past.
Many thanks, Connor
Oh my goodness, what magical and special photos, Derrick, and how generous of you to share them with us. I love seeing this little glimpse into your past. 🙂
Thank you, Ashley
Great photos and I love the magnifying glass!
Thank you, Weekly
Urk, you mentioned the “L” word again! (Liver, that is.)
Thank you, Yvonne. 🙁
I love black and white photos! They have a sense of timelessness. That last frame is definitely some sort of extracted tumor!
Thank you, Oscar. They do, don’t they?
The photos are great – I remember doing so many trust visits when I lived there…I probably should have bought a life-time membership (but alas I returned to the great down-unda)
I’m glad to hear you are feeling a bit better
Thanks, Matt
Glad you are feeling better. The last photo looks like something out of a horror movie. The Attack of the Carnivore Plants!
Thanks. I thought of the Triffids.
What can I add to so many other comments? Obviously, these are wonderful photos. It is nice to go back through time and visit our life’s journey. I often have to make a good guess when it comes to dating photos – thinking I would never forget the time and place (I was wrong). Thankfully, I do remember the people. I always feel a little sad when parting with belongings like a painting, but sometimes there is no longer a place to hang them. Now others can enjoy it. And I have to second the vote that the plant looks like something alien.
I wish you good health!
Thank you Robin. You managed to find plenty to add, of which I am grateful.
Wonderful photographs of the family Derrick – always with the brightest of smiles. Glad to read you are feeling better.
Thank you, Mary
The photos are like paintings 🙂
Thank you, Anna