Kew Gardens

The last leaves of Autumn in London

 Enjoy the last leaves of Autumn, before we get the skeletons of Winter.  Time to wrap up warm for winter.  And look for the buds of crocuses coming through!

 

 

3d Print Show, London

A most interesting 3d printing show.  http://3dprintshow.com/

Exhibitors demonstrating software, hardware, and other stands included Medical uses for 3d printing, fashion, jewellery, and children's activities.  Fascinating and educational.  Providing ideas for the future for personal and commercial use.  Catch it if you can.

 

Printed by the Delta Tower (the tallest 3d printer available).  A fabulous visual texture and silk like sheen.  Paper origami can't compare to this.

Looking top down into the vase.

 

An organisation developing the 3d printing of clay, with the vision of printing houses for developing countries.  The material is a mix of smooth clay (ie, without grog), paper, and alcohol (to allow the material to move down the piping tubes).

Fractal edge of a beautiful grey vase.

 

The FABulous Victoria & Albert Museum

Canada-based designer Omer Arbel presented a massive, custom 28.280 chandelier stretching more than 30 meters in the main atrium. The installation was made up of 280 individual 28 Series glass pendant lamps, each of which is handmade at the Bocci glass factory in Canada. 

http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/london-design-festival-at-the-v-and-a-2013/video-bocci-chandelier-installation/

 

 

The Wind Portal is a dramatic gateway constructed from 5,000 paper windmills turning in the breeze. Created by Lebanese designer, Najla El Zein, specifically for the V&A, this walk-through installation creates a playful airway, drawing wind and light into the galleries beyond.

 

http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/t/the-wind-portal/

  

 

 

South Bank Views

Halloween @ the South Bank.  Weather in keeping with London, drizzling, grey and miserable!  A refreshing walk, taking in the Design Museum, Wobbly Bridge (AKA Millennium Bridge) and Tate Britain.  Big puddles, slippery leaves, half-term families and hardy tourists about.

 

Mushrooms everywhere

It's the time of year, when it's getting darker, cooler and certainly at the moment much wetter - perfect conditions for mushrooms.  If only one could be certain which ones are edible and which would send you packing to an early grave.  

Large grey mushrooms were seen growing out of the joins of the portable coffee stand at Harpenden Station!  And in a bark chipping bags in an alley way.  There's no stopping them!

View from Parliament Hill Fields

The wonderful view from Parliament Hill on a clear day!  Not too wet considering all the rain that England has had in recent months.  Only a few pockets of mud that can be avoided if so wished.  Not often one can see out past London into the countryside.  An energetic walk, topped with this magnificent vista.