Post 24 Arlington and Ilfracombe

Today we went to Arlington Court and Carriage Museum in Devon. The weather was briefly sunny.

It is a large and beautiful estate.



We began, of course, with morning tea. I could not resist the delicious fruit scone. 

There was a lovely little vase of wildflowers on the table.

I don't really go much for stately homes, but this was beautifully designed and managed - plenty of space, a lovely balance of plaster, wood and a little marble.

There we quite a few textiles, so I have focused on those.

Tapestry cushions,




and tapestry chairs,


some finer and more restrained,








some much larger works, like this cross-stitched chair.





There is a boudoir with walls of French jacquard silk.



















I thought this jacket was Chinese, but it was worked in Malta.




This tapestry firescreen was reminiscent of Dorothy Wordsworth's postbag.

I rather liked these woven curtains.












This is a deep maroon velvet shawl, with appliqued goldwork.

It is displayed alongside a roll of what I suspect is very early machine lace








and an array of fans.


There are several fire screens.










Outside, on the walk to the Coach House, it is chilly and beginning to rain, but the evidence of Spring prevails.

The National Carriage Museum is located in the stable.   It is a very fine collection of carriages. My favourite was the little on to the left; a pony carriage designed to be driven by a woman.

It houses the carriage that carried Princess Diana to her wedding. All in gold, this is kept in low light and can't be photographed.












The stable is a lovely building with an impressive clock tower.

From there, we drove across country to Ilfracombe, by the sea. 

It has an Enid Blyton feel. 

             There is evidence of revival - plenty of boats and apartment development.


The most impressive element, however is the Sculpture, on the quay, of Verity, a 20.25 metre high stainless steel and bronze statue by Damien Hurst.

It is striking and interesting - against the turmoil of the sea and the cliffs. Not so Enid Blyton.

We drove home across the rolling green of North Devon, looking towards Exeter. It is Lorna Doone country - where my father at school developed his devotion to that book. Around our outing, Pen has been managing a building site.  A memorable day.