Did not have high expectations of the place, planning for it to be but a slight and pleasant diversion on our way to the Isle of Wight. When I found the place I became lost in another world, a familiar world, a literary world linked by lines of her work, bound as tightly as her pages, made real by the rooms and gardens and bakery. Entranced I wandered the staircase and rooms, followed the family line and studied the drawings.
I left with sadness in my heart. Sad that I could not have shared this with my daughter - her most avid fan, sad that I could not live here, sad that the simplicity (with its limitations) is beyond my reach, sad that the prettiness of the era is lost so easily, and that it is now, only to be found in pockets, preserved so patiently by those who care.
Your photos are beautiful. They really capture my memories of her home.
ReplyDeleteWish I could have been there and shared it with you. When I was there I felt under time pressure because my travel buddy was less interested than me and read a book in the garden while I browsed. I wish I'd had another hour to read every letter and examine her patchwork and quiz the museum curators about everything :)
Don't be sad. I am sharing it with you from afar xxx
I loved, loved, loved it. Richard lost me often. One of my best experiences yet. I am much more comfortable in the country. A country mouse.
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