Saturday, August 31, 2024

Balbiani Vegezzi-Bossi

Pipe organ by Balbiani Vegezzi-Bossi, Santa Caterina a Magnanapoli, Salita del Grillo, Rome

Pipe organ by Balbiani Vegezzi-Bossi, 1935
Santa Caterina a Magnanapoli
Salita del Grillo
Rome, June 2019

“When the Via Nazionale was laid out in the 19th century, the street level was lowered. This raised the church entrance to a considerable height above the street. To allow access, a double staircase leading to the portico was built. Under the stairs is the entrance to the Crypt of the Fallen, constructed in 1934 and dedicated to the priests who were killed in the First World War. The crypt contains a bronze crucifix by Romano Romanelli. Most of the convent was demolished in 1924. The Military Ordinariate, whose headquarters are adjacent to the church, took over the church, and it is now served by diocesan clergy. A restoration occurred in 1992.” (Santa Caterina a Magnanapoli, Wikipedia)

Friday, August 30, 2024

Cotorras argentinas

Cotorras argentinas (Monk parakeets), Plaza de la Merced, Málaga

Cotorras argentinas (Monk parakeets)
Plaza de la Merced
Málaga, September 2023

“In Malaga it is a very frequent and abundant species that is distributed along the coastal strip of the province, preferably occupying urbanized areas and expanding at a vertiginous pace. The first observations in Malaga City date from the decade of the seventies. Nowadays it is present in practically all the parks and gardens of the province and there are very abundant colonies in urbanizations of all the Malaga coast, from the Axarquía to Manilva.” (Monk parakeet, Diputación de Málaga)

Thursday, August 29, 2024

In Anticipation

In Anticipation by James Burke, Worship Street, Shoreditch, London

“In Anticipation” by James Burke, 2018
Worship Street, Shoreditch
London, May 2023

“‘In Anticipation’ was designed by the artist James Burke with his company Acrylicize. The sculpture was commissioned by Brookfield Properties to stand outside Amazon’s new head office at Principal Place in the centre of London close to Liverpool Street Station. Referencing traditional sculptures that can be seen all around the capital, the piece features a man leaning against a plinth that he has evidently just stepped down from. The title leads you to wonder what he might do next as you look up at the thirty foot high giant. The style resembles a sketch made up of lots of separate lines of varying weight. To emulate the hand drawn look, the piece was fabricated from 800 pieces of mild steel tubing that were bent into their individual shapes and then welded together. It was then shot-blasted before being painted with an ultramarine blue polyurethane based paint. The finished sculpture, weighing 1.2 tons, was transported in one piece leaving on Saturday to arrive early on Sunday morning to avoid the central London traffic. There were a few logistical problems to overcome before the piece could be placed in position on the concourse outside Amazon’s HQ. Firstly, the road immediately in front was located directly above a tube station which meant that a crane couldn’t be used. This meant that we had to off-load in a side street and then hand manoeuvre the piece on its side up a slope to the erection site. This was aided by the heavy-duty castors we had welded onto the sculpture for this purpose. It was then lifted and dropped into place using a block and tackle on an A-frame before being secured in position.” (In Anticipation, Littlehampton Welding Ltd)

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Victrix hinc procul evola

Eagles by Publio Morbiducci, Piazza del Viminale, Rome

Eagles by Publio Morbiducci, 1925
“Victrix hinc procul evola” (Victorious fly far away)
Piazza del Viminale
Rome, June 2019

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Sala de dos hermanas

Sala de dos hermanas (Hall of the Two Sisters), Court of the Lions, Alhambra, Calle Real de la Alhambra, Granada

Sala de dos hermanas (Hall of the Two Sisters)
Court of the Lions, Alhambra
Calle Real de la Alhambra
Granada, September 2023

“On the north side of the courtyard is the ‘Sala de Dos Hermanas’ (Hall of Two Sisters), so-called because of two large slabs of marble that form part of the pavement. Its original Arabic name was ‘al-Qubba al-Kubrā’ (lit. the Great Dome), suggesting it had a particular significance. The hall is covered by one of the most remarkable ‘muqarnas’ domes in Islamic art. The ‘muqarnas’ composition consists of at least 5000 prismatic pieces, unfolding from the central summit into sixteen miniature domes right above the level of the windows.” (Alhambra, Wikipedia)

Monday, August 26, 2024

Principal Tower

Principal Tower by 	Foster + Partners, Worship Street, Shoreditch, London

Principal Tower by Foster + Partners, 2019
Worship Street, Shoreditch
London, May 2023

“Principal Tower is a 50-storey residential tower in Worship Street, Shoreditch, London. It was completed in 2019. There are 298 apartments in the building, designed by the architects Foster and Partners. It is next to the 15-storey office block Principal Place, also designed by Foster and Partners. In July 2014, it was reported that the internet retailer Amazon.com was close to signing a lease to move its UK headquarters there. The project had been on hold since January 2012, when the anchor tenant, the law firm CMS Cameron McKenna, pulled out. Soon after, the developer Hammerson sold its interest in the scheme to Brookfield.” (Principal Tower, Wikipedia)

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Inner court fountain

Inner court fountain by Francesco Barbieri, Piazza di Spagna 15, Rome

Inner court fountain by Francesco Barbieri, 1953
Piazza di Spagna 15
Rome, June 2019

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Escuela de Arte Mateo Inurria

Stained glass window, Escuela de Arte Mateo Inurria (Mateo Inurria Art School), Plaza de la Trinidad, Córdoba

Stained glass window
Escuela de Arte Mateo Inurria (Mateo Inurria Art School)
Plaza de la Trinidad
Córdoba, September 2023

Friday, August 23, 2024

Chapter Spitalfields

Chapter Spitalfields by TP Bennett Architects, Frying Pan Alley, Spitalfields, London

Chapter Spitalfields by TP Bennett Architects, 2010
Frying Pan Alley, Spitalfields
London, May 2023

“Chapter Spitalfields, originally known as Nido Spitalfields, is a student accommodation building located at 9 Frying Pan Alley in Spitalfields, Central London, England. It is one of the tallest student dormitories in the world, behind Altus House in Leeds. The 33-storey tower falls within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, though Middlesex Street forms the boundary with the City of London, the principal financial district of the world. Middlesex Street forms part of the Petticoat Lane Market area. Prior to construction of Nido, the plot at 100 Middlesex Street was occupied by a 1960-built office building, Rodwell House, which comprised an 8-storey block oriented north-south, surrounded by a single-storey office podium. In 2015, Nido Spitalfields was purchased by Greystar Real Estate Partners, parent company of the student accommodation company, Chapter. Other Chapter buildings in London are located in the King's Cross area and Portobello. The tower appears in the Doctor Who episode ‘The Wedding of River Song’.” (Chapter Spitalfields, Wikipedia)

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Double holder

Wrought iron double holder, Via Sistina 87, Rome

Wrought iron double holder
Via Sistina 87
Rome, June 2019

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Monumento a la Constitución de 1812

Monument to the Constitution of 1812 by Modesto López Otero and Aniceto Marinas, Plaza de España, Cádiz

Monument to the Constitution of 1812
By Modesto López Otero and Aniceto Marinas, 1929
Plaza de España
Cádiz, September 2023

“The Monument to the Constitution of 1812 is a monument in Cádiz, Spain that commemorates the centennial of the signing of the Constitution of 1812. The monument, commissioned in 1912 and completed in 1929, is located in the centre of the Plaza de España in Cádiz. The Spanish Constitution of 1812 was briefly in effect between 1812 and 1814, and again between 1820 and 1823. Though limited in longevity, the Constitution of 1812 had a significant impact on burgeoning nationalism and liberalism not only in Spain but throughout Western Europe and the Americas. The constitution was drafted by the Cortes of Cádiz at a time when Cádiz was one of the few free Spanish cities during the Peninsular War. The monument, designed by Modesto López Otero and sculpted by Aniceto Marinas, was commissioned by the Spanish government in 1912 to celebrate the centennial of the Constitution of 1812 as well as the Cortes of Cádiz. The monument was completed in 1929.” (Monument to the Constitution of 1812, Wikipedia)

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Geoffrey Barkington

Geoffrey Barkington” memorial bench by Patrick McEvoy, Jubilee Gardens, Houndsditch, City of London, London

“Geoffrey Barkington” memorial bench by Patrick McEvoy, 2018
Jubilee Gardens
Houndsditch, City of London
London, May 2023

Here lies Geoffrey Barkington of Houndsditch,
10th December 2003 to 16th September 2017,
aged 98 dog years. May he rest in peace.

“The memorial is a bench, and is one of ten new ones in the City of London. They are the result of a 2018 design competition organised by the London Festival of Architecture, the City of London Corporation and Cheapside Business Alliance. It was designed by Patrick McEvoy, possibly Geoffrey's owner. The benches are said to be temporary so it's possible that Barkington's memorial has gone too.” (Geoffrey Barkington, London Remembers)

Monday, August 19, 2024

Michel Harem

Michel Harem, Via Sistina, Rome

Michel Harem
Via Sistina
Rome, June 2019

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Capilla de Monte-Sion

Capilla de Monte-Sion, Calle Feria, Casco Antiguo, Seville

Capilla de Monte-Sion
Calle Feria
Casco Antiguo
Seville, September 2023

“The chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, known as the chapel of Monte-Sión, is a temple of Catholic worship located on Calle Feria, Seville, Andalusia, Spain. It was built in an old Dominican convent. It is the canonical headquarters of the Brotherhood of Monte-Sión.” (Capilla de Monte-Sion, Wikipedia)

Saturday, August 17, 2024

The Knight of the Cnihtengild

The Knight of the Cnihtengild by Denys Mitchell, Devonshire Square, City of London, London

“The Knight of the Cnihtengild” by Denys Mitchell, 1990
Devonshire Square, City of London
London, May 2023

“A stylised representation of one of the thirteen knights (the Cnihtengild) who were granted the land lying to the east of the line Aldgate – Bishopsgate in the tenth century by King Edgar. The knight is depicted in armour, holding a lance and sitting astride a neighing horse. The horse has an elaborate carapace and bridle. The carapace is decorated with wave-like linked plates centred with blue glass lenses. The whole stands on a circular, slabbed granite base which rotates periodically. Lights are set into the base.” (The Knight of the Cnihtengild, Art UK)

Friday, August 16, 2024

Bas-relief and lion

Right bas-relief and lion by Flaminio Vacca and Pietro Paolo Olivieri, Fontana dell'Acqua Felice, Piazza di San Bernardo, Rome

Right bas-relief and lion by Flaminio Vacca and Pietro Paolo Olivieri, 1587 Fontana dell'Acqua Felice
Piazza di San Bernardo
Rome, June 2019

“Finally, the bas-relief to the right sculpted by Flaminio Vacca and Pietro Paolo Olivieri, has been depicted as Joshua, but others claim the relief references Gideon in Judges 7:5, as evidenced by soldier's gear and animals lapping water. Alternatively, given the Roman attire of the soldiers, it may reflect the founding of the ancient Roman Acqua Alessandrina by emperor Septimus Severus; the imagery would lead to having the feat of the aqueduct being compared to the achievements of ancient Rome, or as an example of the restoration of the former glory of the city. Water flows from the statues into basins, where four lions, originally Ancient Egyptian sculptures, but now copies, once were part of a monumental fountain dedicated to Marcus Agrippa in front of the Roman Pantheon, are spouting water. The columns flanking the arches are also said to have derived from that structure.” (Fontana dell'Acqua Felice, Wikipedia)

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Ardilla roja

Ardilla roja (Red squirrel), Castillo de Gibralfaro (Gibralfaro Castle), Málaga

Ardilla roja (Red squirrel) Castillo de Gibralfaro (Gibralfaro Castle)
Camino de Gibralfaro
Málaga, September 2023

“It is a very common but very localized species in the Málaga province. It appears in the Malaga capital surroundings and in the Axarquía. It was introduced in the Montes de Málaga in the mid-seventies, with specimens from the Cazorla mountains range. Since then it has expanded throughout the area and has reached the city. It can be seen in the Montes de Málaga, Monte de Gibralfaro, Monte Victoria, Cerrado de Calderón or El Morlaco, for example. It is also present in Sierra Tejeda, where it arrived from the expansion of the Sierra Nevada population, which reached the Alpujarras and the coastal mountains of Granada. On the Great Path (Gran Senda), we can observe it on the first stage then on stages 4 to 8.” (Red Squirrel, Diputación de Málaga)

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Aldgate Pump

Aldgate Pump, Aldgate High Street, City of London, London

Aldgate Pump
Aldgate High Street / Fenchurch Street
Leadenhall Street, City of London
London, May 2023

“Aldgate Pump is a historic water pump in London, located at the junction where Aldgate meets Fenchurch Street and Leadenhall Street. The pump is notable for its long, and sometimes dark history, as well as its cultural significance as a symbolic start point of the East End of London. "East of Aldgate Pump" refers to the East End or to East London as a whole. Aldgate Pump is a Grade II listed structure. The metal wolf head on the pump's spout is supposed to signify the last wolf shot in the City of London. Historic photographs show that the pump was surmounted by an ornate wrought iron lantern. During the 20th century this was removed, but was recreated by the Bottega Prata workshop in Bologna, Italy, during its restoration by the Heritage of London Trust, unveiled in September 2019. The pump can no longer be used to draw water, but a drainage grating is still in place.” (Aldgate Pump, Wikipedia)

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Nymphaea

Nymphaea, Istituto Svizzero, Villa Maraini, Rome

Nymphaea
Istituto Svizzero
Villa Maraini
Via Ludovisi
Rome, May 2019

“Nymphaea is a genus of hardy and tender aquatic plants in the family Nymphaeaceae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution. Many species are cultivated as ornamental plants, and many cultivars have been bred. Some taxa occur as introduced species where they are not native, and some are weeds. Plants of the genus are known commonly as water lilies, or waterlilies in the United Kingdom. The genus name is from the Greek νυμφαία, nymphaia and the Latin nymphaea, which mean ‘water lily’ and were inspired by the nymphs of Greek and Latin mythology.” (Nymphaea, Wikipedia)

Monday, August 12, 2024

Sala de los Abencerrajes

Sala de los Abencerrajes (Hall of the Abencerrages), Court of the Lions, Alhambra, Calle Real de la Alhambra, Granada

Sala de los Abencerrajes (Hall of the Abencerrages)
Court of the Lions, Alhambra
Calle Real de la Alhambra
Granada, September 2023

“On the south side of the courtyard, the ‘Sala de los Abencerrajes’ (Hall of the Abencerrages) derives its name from a legend according to which the father of Boabdil, the last sultan of Granada, having invited the chiefs of that line to a banquet, massacred them here. It is covered by an elaborate ‘muqarnas’ vault ceiling, featuring a 16-sided lantern cupola in the shape of an eight-pointed star, possibly symbolizing the celestial heaven.” (Alhambra, Wikipedia)

Sunday, August 11, 2024

Argosy

Argosy by William Pye, Lloyd's Register, Fenchurch Street, City of London, London

“Argosy” by William Pye, 2009
Lloyd's Register
Fenchurch Street, City of London
London, May 2023

“When Lloyd’s Register outgrew their old building at 71 Fenchurch Street (EC3M 4BS) a stunning new extension was build alongside and this sculpture, called Argosy, is in the front courtyard. The website tells us that ‘the water action of the sculpture adopts the Coanda principle where water clings to overhanging surfaces, moving downwards over the reflective surfaces in rollwave patterns. The shape is suggestive of a ship’s hull and has been conceived to be seen and enjoyed from both below and above from the nearby building’.” (More water – trickling, whooshing and gurgling, Symbols & Secrets)

Saturday, August 10, 2024

Chaussures italiennes

Chaussures italiennes by Sylvie Fleury, Istituto Svizzero, Villa Maraini, Rome

Chaussures italiennes by Sylvie Fleury
Istituto Svizzero
Villa Maraini
Via Ludovisi
Rome, May 2019

Friday, August 9, 2024

Calle Cairuán

City walls and cascading ponds, Calle Cairuán, Córdoba

City walls and cascading ponds
Calle Cairuán
Córdoba, September 2023

“Running along the calle Cairuán, next to a cascading series of ponds and water channels bearing crystal-clear water, lies a stretch of the city walls which surrounded the Medina. Built on top of the previous Roman walls, what we see today owes much to the restoration work carried out in the 20th century. The unusual street name is because the city of Cordoba is twinned with the Tunisian city of Quairuan, whose main mosque has similar features to the one in Cordoba.” (City walls in Calle Cairuán, Córdoba es Más)

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Local Vocals

Local Vocals by Jesse Wine, Circus Road West, London

“Local Vocals” by Jesse Wine, 2017
Circus Road West
London, May 2023

“‘Local Vocals’, the new commission from Jesse Wine references historical sculpture contemporaneous to the origins of the power station, by recreating and reinterpreting the work of Henry Moore, who studied at the Royal College of Art in the early 20th century, and presented work in Battersea Park. It also incorporates Wine’s signature style through the depictions of objects that adorn the stylised reclining figure.” (The Powerhouse Commission, Nine Elms on the South Bank)

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Interior staircase

Interior staircase, Istituto Svizzero, Villa Maraini, Rome

Interior staircase
Istituto Svizzero
Villa Maraini
Via Ludovisi
Rome, May 2019

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Casa de Iberoamérica

Gades (Cádiz) by Juan Luis Vassallo, Casa de Iberoamérica (Ibero-American House), Calle Concepción Arenal, 
Cádiz

Gades (Cádiz) by Juan Luis Vassallo, 1948
Casa de Iberoamérica (Ibero-American House)
Calle Concepción Arenal
Cádiz, September 2023

“The Casa de Iberoamérica is a cultural centre that currently hosts events and exhibitions of all sorts including those related to Latin America. This old building that housed the Royal Prison and is the most important for the art of illustration in Cadiz and is considered one of the best examples of Neo-classical style in Andalusia.” (Casa de Iberoamerica, Andalusia Tourist Community)

Monday, August 5, 2024

Terra Ludi

Terra Ludi by Simon & Tom Bloor, Nine Elms Lane, London

“Terra Ludi” by Simon & Tom Bloor, 2015
Nine Elms Lane
London, May 2023

“‘Terra Ludi’ by Simon & Tom Bloor is a public art commission for St James’s residential mixed-use development Riverlight. The artwork explores informal play through the use of unexpected materials. Two elements make up the artwork, the first is a geometric rocky outcrop and tree trunk sculpture, referencing natural materials but created in concrete and bronze. The second element is a network of concrete stepping-stones, scattered along the Thames Riverside and Nine Elms Lane, designed to encourage an exploration of the public realm.” (Terra Ludi, Futurecity)

Sunday, August 4, 2024

Mannequin

Mannequin by Sylvie Fleury, Istituto Svizzero, Villa Maraini, Rome

Mannequin by Sylvie Fleury
Istituto Svizzero
Villa Maraini
Via Ludovisi
Rome, May 2019

Saturday, August 3, 2024

Puente de Triana

Puente de Triana, Triana neighbourhood in background, seen from the Puente del Cachorro, Seville

Puente de Isabel II (Puente de Triana)
Triana neighbourhood in background
Seen from the Puente del Cristo de la Expiración (Puente del Cachorro)
Seville, September 2023

“Triana is a neighbourhood and administrative district on the west bank of the Guadalquivir River in the city of Seville, Spain. Like other neighborhoods that were historically separated from the main city, it was known as an arrabal. Triana is located on a peninsula between two branches of the Guadalquivir, narrowly linked to the mainland in the north. Two other districts are also usually included in this area, Los Remedios to the south and La Cartuja to the north.” (Triana, Wikipedia)

Friday, August 2, 2024

The Residence

The Residence by GRID Architects, Ponton Road, Nine Elms, London

The Residence by GRID Architects, 2021
Ponton Road, Nine Elms
London, May 2023

“The Residence development by Bellway in Nine Elms, London SW8, was completed in 2021. The scheme offered one, two and three bedroom apartments for sale. Views over the River Thames, or surrounding piazzas, parks and public spaces. Some apartments have views of the new American Embassy, which is opposite The Residence. The apartments feature contemporary design and an exceptional specification. Kitchens boast quality appliances and bathrooms offer spa-like fittings. Amenities include an on-site gym, cinema room, private function room and a concierge service.” (The Residence, Buildington)

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Lioness

Lioness by Davide Rivalta, National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, Rome

Lioness by Davide Rivalta, 2017
Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea
(National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art)
Viale delle Belle Arti
Rome, May 2019

“Davide Rivalta’s majestic bronze lions that have been surveying Villa Borghese from the museum steps will no doubt have struck anyone lucky enough to have already visited this gorgeous gallery. Well, this summer this regal pack have become five and accompanying Rivalta’s vast lion drawings in the hallway connecting the North-East and North-West wings. In another reference to Time is Out of Joint, these magnificent beasts are said to act as an acknowledgment to the Museum’s history whilst also being symbolic of art’s unchartered territories.” (Brand-New Exhibits, Romeing)