Tuesday 20 December 2011

Christmas Greetings


Church bells ringing out over the Julian Alps, Kransjka Gora, Slovenia - 2010.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

'Christmas Bells' poem by Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow 

1807 - 1882

Kransjka Gora church in the late 19th century.
Adoration of the Magi by William Morris - The original tapestry was commissioned in 1886 by John Prideaux Lightfoot, rector of Exeter College, Oxford University for their Gothic revival chapel designed and built by George Gilbert Scott. The overall composition and figures were designed by Edward Burne-Jones. In a letter, Morris suggested that the tapestry's colouration should be both “harmonious and powerful, so that it would not be overpowered” by the chapel's brilliantly coloured stained glass. The tapestry took four years to realise, including two years' work by three weavers at Morris's Merton Abbey Mills. Lightfoot did not live to see the finished tapestry.
Happy Christmas
 &
a Peaceful New Year

The family is beckoning.

8 comments:

  1. Hello Rosemary:
    We wish you and your family a joyous and peaceful Christmas time and will much look forward to a continuation of your posts in the New Year.

    The tapestry is exceptionally lovely; we should visit Exeter College to see it for ourselves. One day, perhaps.

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  2. Hello Jane & Lance - I had just retrieved this post as the video had not appeared on it when your comment came in. However,luckily and happily your comments have come through on the second time round. I have managed to get the video on now. Trials and errors of the blog world.
    I wish you both a very Happy Christmas and look forward to more contacts with you both in 2012

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  3. :-D An exuberant Merry Christmas, Rosemary :-D Merry Christmas to you and yours. Thanks for a lovely series of posts this year..see you in 2012!

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  4. Dear Kate, Phil, Maddie, Felix and not forgetting Macaulay - have a lovely family Christmas. I have really enjoyed getting to know you this year, and look forward to more in 2012.

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  5. Dear Rosemary - As an ardent fan of William Morris, it gives me pleasure to not only see the beautiful Oxford tapestry, but to also get the bonus of your William Morris tablecloth! That is William Morris willow, isn't it?

    Merry Christmas to you and H, and to your family, from Mark.

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  6. Dear Mark - Wishing you a very happy Christmas. I have really enjoyed our exchanges during 2011 and getting to know you.
    Yes, you are right, it is Wm Morris's willow pattern.
    Looking forward to your posts in 2012 - lets hope it is a happy and peaceful year.

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  7. Craciun Fericit si La Multi Ani!
    Joyeux Noël et Bonne Nouvelle Année!
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
    Buon Natale e Buone Feste!
    Feliz Navidad e Felices Fiestas!
    Życzę Wesołych Świąt!
    Frohe Weihnachten und ein gutes neues Jahr!
    Καλά Χριστούγεννα σε όλους!
    Feliz Natal e Feliz Ano Novo!

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  8. Dear Marius - I hope that 2012 is a happy and good year for you.

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