At noon, on another warm, sunny, day with a moderate breeze, I poked my camera out of the upstairs window in order to record the garden’s continuing splendour. (I was inspired by a comment from Elizabeth Gauffreau for today’s title)
This afternoon I finished reading ‘David Copperfield’ and scanned the final eight drawings with which that splendid illustrator, Charles Keeping, has adorned the closing pages of my Folio Society edition.
‘I hired a boat directly, and we put off to the ship’
‘I came into the valley, as the evening sun was shining on the remote heights of snow’
‘I thought I had never seen an obstinate head of hair rolling about in such a shower of kisses’
in ‘Going softly to her piano, Agnes played some of those old airs to which we had often listened in that place’ Mr Keeping, through the medium of the flowing grain on the side of the instrument, conveys the unspoken communication between singer and listener which culminates in the next but one illustration.
‘Whom should we behold, to our amazement, in this converted Number Twenty Seven, but Uriah Heep!’, unmistakeable to anyone who has seen the artist’s previous depictions.
‘Clasped in my arms as she had never been, as I had thought she never was to be!’
‘Mr Peggotty went with me to see a little tablet I had put up in the churchyard to the memory of Ham’
‘Peggotty, my good old nurse’
I don’t propose to review such a well-known book, save to say that it was a very good choice for Charles Dickens to term his favourite of the novels.
I have probably mentioned before that I do not generally keep more than one book on the go at any one time. This Dickens work and another, modern, novel have been an exception while I have returned to the Victorian masterpiece. As soon as I have finished reading Harold Brodkey’s book I will draw some comparisons between the two.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s spicy pasta arrabbiata with which she finished the Rosé and I drank Barossa Valley Shiraz 2017.
Sounds like a wonderful retirement with a lovely companion.
Quite so, Pat. Thanks very much
Noon in the Knights’ splendid garden! Your header photo is beautiful, and it looks like the garden of a grand estate (which I suppose it is).
Those final illustrations are so full of life and motion!
Thank you so much Merril. In days gone by, when the house was much smaller and a village shop, the garden was a lot bigger – much sold off before we came. We have 1/3 of an acre
Sounds like a wonderful day. Wonderful pictures.
Thank you very much, Mrs W
Your welcome.
Garden Splendour! ❤️??
Thanks very much, John
A very neat title.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
Is this the last of your books with Mr Keeping’s illustrations, Derrick? If so, I will miss them. These last ones are quite moving, both physically and emotionally.
The next one is to be Our Mutual Friend, which is even longer 🙂 Thanks very much for your enthusiasm, Dolly
The pleasure is all mine, Derrick.
What a splendid view!
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
A wonderfully poetic ‘Title’ for today’s article Derrick .. “Noon at the Knight Garden”… yep .. I smiled instantly ..
🙂 Thanks a lot, Ivor
The views from above capture the splendor of your garden. I like Charles Keeping’s landscape and seascape, so different from his illustrations of people. He certainly conveyed a a wide range of feelings.
He did, indeed. Thanks very much, JoAnna
And a splendid Knight garden it is! Mr. Keeping outdid himself with these final illustrations. A real fondness for the characters is coming through them.
Thank you so much, Liz
You’re most welcome, Derrick.
I have enjoyed this overall perspective of your garden as well as the drawings. Of those, I have been developing a keener appreciation of Keeping’s detailed sketches of landscapes, buildings, and even the cemetery. There is always something of special interest to find in each of them.
I find it most amazing that he produced such a range in this vast oeuvre shortly before his death. Thanks very much, Anne
Mr Peggotty is a lovely illustration, made all the better by the subtle use of a biting wind
Well seen, John. Thank you very much
You have indeed captured your garden’s splendour
Thank you very much, Sheree
Love that title! 🙂 Brava, Elizabeth! 🙂
I love the views of the garden from above! Spectacular! 🙂
Great motion in Keeping’s churchyard illustration.
And such beautiful detail and flow in the clothing of the women.
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thanks you so much, Carolyn. Night lights to follow X
You’re welcome!
OH!!!!!!!!! I’m so looking forward to that! 🙂
You gave us almost an aerial view of the garden, terrific!
Dickens was has been a favorite of mine, but it’s so long since I’ve read him.
It is also so long for me – I am enjoying re-reading them for this project. Thanks very much, GP
Lovely any time of day!
Thanks very much, Laurie
Several weeks ago we visited the garden design by Gertrude Jekyll on Lindisfarne. Seeing your garden images, I think of this quote by her: ‘The lesson I have thoroughly learnt, and wish to pass on to others, is to know the enduring happiness that the love of a garden gives.’
Thank you so very much, Libre
a beautiful Knight Garden it is! 🙂
Thanks very much, Lola
A agree with Laurie. Beautiful views.
Thanks very much, Rupali
Lovely to see the aerial view of your garden, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Helen
These photos are a beautiful tribute to Jackie’s hard work, and yours too, Derrick.
Thank you very much from us both, Lavinia.
Shot from the upstairs window – What a glorious view to live with every day 😀
Thank you so much, Widders
Quite a post-thanks for that
And you, for your appreciation, Cynthia
Stunning views from above.
Thanks very much, Sue
The noon is lingering in your garden in all its glory. You have firmed up my resolve to revisit this masterpiece and I will likely return to your posts when I’ll reread the book.
I’m pleased. Thanks very much, Uma
Your garden is looking fabulous, verdant and lush.
x
Thank you so much, Melanie X
An absolutely gorgeous sight ?? and a beautiful day!
Thank you very much, Ribana