I’ve long been fascinated by architecture so I was delighted when Sylvia Brownlee approached me via this blog and asked me if she could use one of my photos for a book she was in the process of researching and compiling on R W Sampson’s architecture. I agreed, and then to my delight, Sylvia invited me to take a whole series of photos for her book. It was a double pleasure for me, combining my love of architecture and my obsession with photography. It was fun to do and in the process I made a new local friend.
Below: Burnside in Bickwell Valley (1896) – Architect R W Sampson
(one of the photos I took for the book)
Sylvia’s book (A Sid Vale Association Publication) will be available to purchase at The Sid Vale Heritage Centre (Sidmouth Museum) and Paragon Books, High Street, Sidmouth @ £4.99 - it’s an interesting and informative read. Sylvia is also holding an exhibition at Kennaway House commencing August 15th to 31st, 2009 - so do pay a visit and you can admire the superb restoration of Kennaway House at the same time as learning about “the man responsible for practically the whole of the architectural layout of Sidmouth in the early 20th century”. And while you’re there, look out for me – I’ll be visiting the exhibition and admiring Kennaway House at the same time!
The exhibition at Kennaway House will include:
An exhibition of Sampson’s paintings, and artefacts, including a glass paperweight from Mr and Mrs Kennet-Weare: “for the music room at Cotlands” – which was demolished to build Cotland flats.
The beach is gorgeous… Is the water cold??
Hi Graceofwynn,
Yes the sea is cold save on days when the weather is really hot. But the landscape of the Jurassic coastline that Sidmouth sits in, is so beautiful that one is happy to sit and gaze rather than bathe. However, much sailing and surfing is enjoyed by the more hardy amongst us. Also on December 26th (Boxing Day) each year – Sidmouth holds it’s annual swim. Many of the townfolk gather and wade into the icy winter water – each trying to out do each other by staying in the longest length of time. I go to watch and photograph, not swim!
Author.