Discovering Melbourne
general :: posted on October 6th, 2009
Each time I go to Melbourne I try to learn a little more about the family history there. This time I managed to be walking by St Paul’s Cathedral when it was open which was the perfect moment to follow up on our connection with this historic building.
My great, great Grandfather George Porter was a major contributor to the finance needed to construct the Reredos in the Cathedral. It is s humbling experience to stand there, in the awesome beauty of this building and consider that this major draw card has such a strong connection with this descendant. And it is awe inspiring – huge in scale and so gentle yet strong.
The tile patterns that adorn the floor and walls are also beautiful. I only had my mobile phone, so no great photos to do this building justice. Maybe next time.
October 7th, 2009 at 1:08 am
Hi Linden, the photos are great anyway. I love the patterns of the floor tiles. Every time I look at one of these old buildings I am always profoundly moved by the attention to detail. The level of craftmanship in the stonework is lovely.
Some work in the kiln was signed Linden, so I was wondering if it was yours?(They were thrown insense holder thingies) Are you still doing the adult ed course? My tutor commented that you should be in with us, can you squeeze in a spare day to come and play with some clay?
cheers Kim
October 7th, 2009 at 3:03 am
Hi Kim, Yes I’m back at the Adult Ed class – thanks so much for the encouragement – perhaps I could talk to you about the course sometime? Or could I just do a day? I’m teaching lithography on Thursday and Friday at tafe for this term. And we share a love of the classic old buildings – amazing how patient everything used to be – careful construction with ambition of having a building for the future that carried with it all the hopes and dreams and pride of the day.
October 7th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Call in to the studio tomorrow (thursday) if you have time? that is when Ben is teaching.
October 9th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
HI Kim – I read this too late – funny thing is that I had lunch sitting in the sun at the back of the pottery studio on Thursday…. I’ll call in next Thursday and see if your about.
October 12th, 2009 at 9:38 am
No worries Linden, see you then