MARKUS GILGAN

Markus Gilgan is a sound engineer currently touring with Bahamas.  I spent some time with him while in London and gained some insight into this musical profession.  He is the man in the shadows, accurately and consistently delivering the desired sound for those in the spotlight.  He removes the technical barrier so that the musician is able to focus entirely on the performance.  Markus was originally drawn to music "because of the way records can make you feel". With the sensitivity of the artist and the logic of the scientist, he is discerning enough to know that when you don’t notice his touch, he's done his work well.

HIGHGATE CEMETERY

I took a romantic morning walk with my beloved through Highgate Cemetery.  I can't imagine a better time of year to visit than spring.  Beautiful in its unkept state, moody in the newly appearing green, the place was rich and heavy with an atmosphere of time and history.  It's appropriate that George Eliot (1819-1880) is buried here as that atmosphere seems to evoke the tone of her novels.  You'll find her in the area reserved for religious dissenters or agnostics.  These grounds are located near Hampstead Heath, where I wish I could have  spent more time. The images are of the eastern cemetery, which opened in 1856.  The western cemetery, across the street, was the original cemetery established in 1839.  Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to tour the western location, but I look forward to returning and doing so.  I will then, also, take the opportunity to really explore Hampstead Heath and document its beauty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HARRODS FOOD HALL

Harrods, founded in 1834, is an upscale department store and historical attraction located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (Knightsbridge) London, England.  When in London, a visit to the world famous Food Hall is a must.  Harrods's motto Omnia Omnibus Ublique-All Things for All People, Everywhere, sums up the variety in their culinary selection.  Decorated in the fashion of Art Nouveau, the Food Hall experience is not merely one of palate, but also visual splendour.  It is breathtakingly beautiful.  I love to imagine these rooms filled with people from an earlier time period, breaking between departments for a bite of savoury tart, surrounded by true opulence.  I romanticize this kind of grandeur because it is unlike anything in Canada.

While Heather works away on an exhibition, scheduled to open on May 10th at Hamilton Artists Inc, The Wardens Today will feature my recent trip to London, England.   Over the next two weeks I'll be posting what I love about this city and highlighting some exhibitions and permanent collections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TURNED WOODEN OBJECTS

These boxes and candlesticks are made in India of unknown vintage but could almost be deco objects from the likes of Marianne Brandt.  I was sad to not take one home with me but they look better in company.

 

 

 

FROM THE CLOSET OF JULIANN WILDING : ALAN CHERRY BLOUSE

When I discovered this silk beaded blouse in a neighborhood thrift shop, it was a real diamond in the rough.   At that time it was a sallow pale yellow, a shade which I would never wear. But between the gorgeous draped cape overlay, the crunchy beaded shoulders, and lovely subtle details in the design I knew it was special and I knew I could work with it.

Upon reading the tag I was even more enamored: Alan Cherry Toronto. It also has the date, 1987, and credits 'artwork design Mercedes & Adrienne Co.'  I loved finding a true piece of Toronto vintage, and it seems Cherry was a retail legend and a fashion staple in Yorkville until his retirement at the age of 73. 

I took the blouse, determined,  and hand-dyed it a shade I concocted: neutral pink-beige. It took beautifully; the blouse was transformed. Formerly Rosedale grandma going to tea, now David Bowie having a chill drink. I hope Alan Cherry would be proud. 


-JW