‘Scripts, Skeletons & Scriptures: Writing About Writing in Yorkshire.

[Human]

I'm glad to see that it has all worked out so well for you.

Maybe to fund your future endeavours you could take a leaf out of Ian Rankin's book, but do a reverse auction for people to be named as characters. I'm sure there's room for a Louise or Ron etc etc or two from amongst the AFF Illuminati.

https://www.scotsman.com/news/ian-rankin-to-name-character-in-new-bestseller-after-highest-bidder-at-auction-4874220#:~:text=Ian%20Rankin%20said:%20%22I%20am,programmes%20like%20Write%20to%20Life.%E2%80%9D

Thanks @kookaburra75

Yes, it was an amazing trip -- life-transforming. I just need to knuckle down now and write! Thanks for following along all the way through this trip.

I love the idea of Ian Rankin's auction! And yes, I'm exploring ways of asking for sponsorship to attend another Arvon course. But the book I'm focussing on is non-fiction so I can't do quite the same thing as Rankin is doing.

Now all that remains is being reunited with my luggage which was left behind in MAN. According to the AirTags which I'm very glad I placed in my luggage, it's made it to MEL, so that's positive. I'm awaiting a call and hopefully it'll be delivered today.

 

[kookaburra75]

I love the idea of Ian Rankin's auction! And yes, I'm exploring ways of asking for sponsorship to attend another Arvon course. But the book I'm focussing on is non-fiction so I can't do quite the same thing as Rankin is doing.

Ah, but history isn't created by the events of the past, but how they're remembered in the future. There's more than a few examples of history being 'updated' by victors, and a few current world leaders are giving it a go. You could offer people a place in history? And for sponsorship, there's a lot of us on AFF who work in and around the marketing/sponsorship area. I'm sure we could sketch out a campaign plan for you.

 

[VPS]

Thank you for your kind words -- so glad you enjoyed the TR!

I've only spent a couple of hours in Hebden Bridge myself (ie. the actual town) so I feel unqualified to say whether you should visit it.

This I will say: the town is quaint and has some nice places to eat and shop. The surrounding area is beautiful. There are plenty of places to explore, by foot or car. And the people are warm, friendly and outgoing, and always up for a chat.

And, if you happen to get a little bored, it's only half an hour by train from Manchester, which as a city impressed me far more than I thought it would.

This was my first visit to England in 23 years and my first visit to the north of England ever. But would I like to go back? Too right I would!

I have been to Manchester and enjoyed it. I will try and visit Hebden Bridge sometime

 

[zig]

Thank you for sharing such a joyful and inspiring TR. It was a pleasure to travel with you and I'm already looking forward to the next chapter.

You are a writer!

 

[Rebus]

I really enjoyed this TR, you have a writing style which I very much enjoy. I particularly enjoyed the images and descriptions of your exploratory walks around Hebden Bridge. As others have noted, a public footpath or right of way in England is very different to what an Australian may have expected. I lived in Manchester for many years before moving here and more than once had an afternoon walk in the countryside which took much longer than expected!

I'm glad you enjoyed the John Rylands Library. My wife and I always make a point of popping in there when we are back in Manchester to visit friends. In fact it was our first choice for our wedding venue but alas the capacity was below what we needed to fit in all the guests. In the end we plumped for Manchester Town Hall which you hopefully got to see on your day in the city with your thirsty fellow workshop attendee.

Good luck for your book, and thanks again for a great TR.

 

[Human]

I really enjoyed this TR, you have a writing style which I very much enjoy. I particularly enjoyed the images and descriptions of your exploratory walks around Hebden Bridge. As others have noted, a public footpath or right of way in England is very different to what an Australian may have expected. I lived in Manchester for many years before moving here and more than once had an afternoon walk in the countryside which took much longer than expected!

I'm glad you enjoyed the John Rylands Library. My wife and I always make a point of popping in there when we are back in Manchester to visit friends. In fact it was our first choice for our wedding venue but alas the capacity was below what we needed to fit in all the guests. In the end we plumped for Manchester Town Hall which you hopefully got to see on your day in the city with your thirsty fellow workshop attendee.

Good luck for your book, and thanks again for a great TR.

Thank you -- I'm so glad you enjoyed the TR. I really enjoyed writing it!

Yes, I definitely learned some things about England that I didn't know: what a "Public Footpath" is, being at the top of the list. I also learned the hard way that "Orange Squash" is not to be drunk undiluted!

I was shown the outside of the Manchester Town Hall but didn't have the opportunity to go in. There are some very impressive old buildings in Manchester and I realy would like to spend more time there one day.

Thanks again.

 

[RooFlyer]

I was shown the outside of the Manchester Town Hall but didn't have the opportunity to go in. There are some very impressive old buildings in Manchester and I realy would like to spend more time there one day.

if you go back, you might find some time to have a look at another old industrial revolution city, Birmingham.

I went there to do some research for my doctorate and discovered downtown had been revitalised and is even quite pretty. there is no Grand old library there - they’ve built a brand-new fancy building which is incredibly unusual for money to be spent on new libraries.

 

[Human]

I like them for the way they portray M.A. compared to other painters of her, so our comparisons are different. I don't know her other works as well to comment as you do, but I will be paying close attention next time I see any in the flesh! Thanks in advance for the new angle of appreciation.

@FlyingFiona I haven't been able to get your comments about Vigée Le Brun out of my head, and now that I'm home I've been able to get out my catalogue and have another look at her Marie Antoinette portraits...


Maybe I'm being a bit harsh. On the other hand, I read with interest the contributor's comment on this portrait of MA with her surviving children:


The contributor writes: "Far from the tenderness that usually presided over Vigée Le Brun's mother-and-child double portraits, here the artist depicts a solemn queen."

I think that's what I picked up as well. The portraits are still amazing and brilliant (and moving; here the empty bassinet highlights the Queen's recently-deceased infant), but lacking that tenderness that's ultimately what I love about the artist.

I need to do further research. Next time I'm in Paris, I need to go to Versailles!

 

[FlyingFiona]

You do! Do take the whole day to allow for an extensive visit of the gardens, the G & P Trianons and MA's hamlet.

I think that's a difficult painting to compare. Her daughter died in the middle of the sitting and so the painter herself would have had to do an about turn in terms of what emotions she wished to convey which undoubtedly compromised her ususal sensibilties.

In saying that, I do know what you mean and I wonder how much public expectations and court ettiquette influenced her art and reined in her true talent. For example, I really like MA in the chemise. I like "a la rose" as well but think the former has more of what you speak in that de B sees the person of MA more so than the title. The later painting (in the more regal attire) doesn't appearl to reveal the subject's character as the earlier piece did.

I look forward to your next trip report: Versailles, vixens, and veracious opinions.

 

[Human]

You do! Do take the whole day to allow for an extensive visit of the gardens, the G & P Trianons and MA's hamlet.

I think that's a difficult painting to compare. Her daughter died in the middle of the sitting and so the painter herself would have had to do an about turn in terms of what emotions she wished to convey which undoubtedly compromised her ususal sensibilties.

In saying that, I do know what you mean and I wonder how much public expectations and court ettiquette influenced her art and reined in her true talent. For example, I really like MA in the chemise. I like "a la rose" as well but think the former has more of what you speak in that de B sees the person of MA more so than the title. The later painting (in the more regal attire) doesn't appearl to reveal the subject's character as the earlier piece did.

I look forward to your next trip report: Versailles, vixens, and veracious opinions.

Thanks for your insights. I will report back from Versailles.

I love how we're having this conversation: AFF stands for "Artistic Frequent Flyer", right?

 

[VPS]

An article about the John Ryland's library founder

The unknown Manchester lady who funded a Hogwarts-style library

How Cuban-born Enriqueta Rylands spent more than £100m to set up the John Rylands Library.

www.bbc.com

 

[Human]

An article about the John Ryland's library founder

The unknown Manchester lady who funded a Hogwarts-style library

How Cuban-born Enriqueta Rylands spent more than £100m to set up the John Rylands Library.

www.bbc.com

What an interesting article -- thanks for sharing @VPS !

 

[VPS]

What an interesting article -- thanks for sharing @VPS !

You're welcome. I remember reading about her when I visited but had forgotten a few things (well a lot really)