Friday, June 28, 2013

Robben Island

"We want Robben Island to reflect the triumph of freedom and human dignity over oppression and humiliation" - Ahmed Kathrada, Prisoner 468/64, Robben Island 1964-1982

With our beloved Madiba critically ill in hospital, visiting Robben Island yesterday was an even more moving experience than expected. I wish I knew more of the history behind some of the photographic images I encountered along our walk. Who were these tortured faces? What had they been convicted of? However, it was profoundly significant to see the tiny cell where Mandela spent 18 years of his life. He may have been shut away, but his spirit and conviction could never be snuffed out...

Prisoners arriving by boat

The release of political prisoners in 1991


A rather bizarre image below. Christmas on Robben Island?


Double ammunition

Prisoners on Robben Island

Views from Robben Island of Cape Town


Kramat on Robben Island


The 'crime' many Political Leaders were 'put away' for - Sabotage...

Prisoner ID card (Billy Nair)

Prison

My daughter and friend in the courtyard outside Nelson Mandela's cell (Section B)

Sign post

Cell 5 where prisoner 466/64 remained for 18 years

A mat (no mattress) for Nelson Mandela to sleep on

Watch Tower

Returning 'home' on the ferry

A return visit years later (Telegraph)


I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.
― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom: Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

(Unless otherwise stated, all photographs by Philippa Berrington-Blew)

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Sten and Lex

Aren't these fantastic? The extraordinary work of Italian Street artists based in Rome - StenandLex...





Via here and see videos of art in progress here

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

If you can't have your own...

Apartment in Paris, then Perspective G Haussmann by Christophe Koziel might be a good substitute (until your ship comes in) - a 'trompe-photo' parallel universe affixed to one wall, inviting the Marais (or another arrondissement equally as sublime) right into your living room...

Via here

In single file

Via here

Friday, June 21, 2013

A Cafe in Baku

Isn't this an extraordinary space? Apparently, as rumour has it... the hole (seen below) was originally caused by a rooftop bomb attack. So, add an abundance of free-spirited foliage to soften the blow (so to speak) and create a restaurant. Easy-peasy? Well, it certainly has the wow factor...

Via here

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

La Maison Fassier

A certain image of La Maison Fassier had been a favorite of mine and, in fact, was one I pinned ages ago. Then, when I stumbled upon a full compliment of photographs of this great room, I couldn't help but reblog. From a nineteenth century French girl's boarding school in RĂ©malard to a home and antique store today, Alain and Claude Fassier can be proud of the transformation...




Teal

And, yes... the obsession with tile continues.

Via here

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Happy Mix

From the home of Laurence Gautier, Associate Director of the Mathis Elysees Hotel in Paris, and Gabrielle Soyer of Lindell & Co...

Via here

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Who could resist

Such a charmer...

Via here

Thursday, June 13, 2013

An Unexpected Trip

My mother is the strongest person I know. She was rushed into the operating theatre just over two weeks ago after learning that she has cancer. I flew to Johannesburg to help with her convalescence, and she is recovering remarkably well. I knew she was feeling better when she said: I need an elixir, preferably in the form of an antique shop. I happily obliged (and snapped these pics in the treasure mine we jokingly refer to as the gift-that-keeps-on-giving - JAB Louw in Melville)...






44 Stanley

Mum and Henry's home...

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Placeholder

Whew. A long absence from blogging, I know. Lots to catch up on. More tomorrow...

A bathroom in the Palais Abbatial de Royaumont near Chantilly, France (Via here)

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

London's Antique Whisperer

The quietly beautiful, yet grand aesthetic of Will Fisher, founder of antique and reproduction house Jamb Limited...











Photography by Simon Upton and John Hammond (Via here)