J.J. Audubon, birdman extra-ordinaire.
An interesting chap, was John James Audubon. Here was a man born in 1785 in Haiti in the Caribbean to a father who was a… Read More »J.J. Audubon, birdman extra-ordinaire.
An interesting chap, was John James Audubon. Here was a man born in 1785 in Haiti in the Caribbean to a father who was a… Read More »J.J. Audubon, birdman extra-ordinaire.
As time goes by I become increasingly aware – and concerned – that I have yet to do a post mentioning carrots. The omission came… Read More »Carrot sandwich anyone?
I am delighted to offer my first-ever guest blog to Michael Fowle, a descendant of Sir William Curtis – one of the more colourful characters of… Read More »Alderman Sir William Curtis, Bart, MP – a much-loved but often lampooned figure.
John Hoppner, self-portrait, c.1780. On 23rd January 1810 the artist John Hoppner drew his last breath. He had been born, to German parents, some 52… Read More »The artist John Hoppner (1758 – 1810) – died 23rd January.
Joshua, born in 1723 into a family the size of a football team, was the son of a school-teacher at Plympton in Devon. He was… Read More »Sir Joshua Reynolds, born in 1723. It is the anniversary of his death (in 1792) tomorrow, 23rd January.
“I give and bequeath unto my Sister in Law Ann Snooke Ten Guineas and to each of my nieces the daughters of my said Sister… Read More »A mourning ring for my niece ….(as per the Will of Richard Hall)
Richard Hall was meticulous about keeping lists – and it may seem odd but one of those lists which he kept was of those occasions… Read More »All fall down – a post about poor Betty Hall.
In Mansfield Park, published in 1814, Jane Austen mentions the card game of Speculation on several occasions, usually contrasting it with whist: “In the evening… Read More »Jane Austen and Speculation
When I passed 600 followers on Twitter and asked what people would like me to blog about, someone was kind enough to suggest “antiquarianism.” Not… Read More »Antiquarianism versus history taught in schools today: a New Year rant!